4 more legionnaires cases in Moncton, but source site stays secret

Health officials say four more cases of legionnaires have been confirmed as part of an outbreak in Moncton, bringing the total number of people infected to 16.

Dr. Yves Lger, the regional medical officer of health, said all 16 are recovering and no deaths have been reported because of theillness,a severe form of pneumonia.

A cooling tower, essentially a large building cooling system,in Moncton was confirmed as the source of the outbreak, he said.The cooling towerwas shut down Aug. 13 and disinfected.

"There is no risk related to the site,"Lgersaid at a news conference Thursday.

Legionnaires has a 14-day incubation period, and a chartLgerprovided reporters indicates the last person developed symptomsAug. 25.

Won't reveal location

Lger has refused to reveal the location, saying there's "no benefitto the public" since the tower has been cleaned. He said he understands people may be concerned but worries revealing the site may lead to people changing their plans to avoid the site.

"We're very confident that the problem has been addressed," he said. "It was addressed almost a month ago now,and wecontinue to follow up to make sure that it is addressed."

He said the site will be monitored for at least twomonths.

Cooling towers are typically used on business or industrial buildings, butLgerwouldn't elaborate on the type of building.

Anyone who inhales mist or steam containing the bacteria can develop the disease, also known as legionellosis.The disease does not spread person-to-person.

It can be treated with antibioticsbut often requires hospitalization and can be fatal if left untreated.

Lgersaid most of the 16 infected had been hospitalized, with some in intensive care. Those infected range in age from their mid-30s up to around 80. Most had pre-existing medical conditions.

An outbreak was declared Aug. 1 with seven confirmed cases.

The search for the source narrowed in on 26 buildings in what officials described as westernMoncton.That then shrankto one location wherelegionnaires bacteria werefound.

The bacteria were tested against the strain found in those who were infected to confirm the cooling tower was the source of the outbreak.

Most healthy people exposed to the bacteria don't develop the illness, health officials said.

Lgersaid there's still a chance more cases will be confirmed.

Public health officials urged anyone withpneumonia-like or respiratory symptoms, such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches and headache, to promptly seek medical care or call 811, the province's health information line.

In New Brunswick, 28 cases of legionnaires disease were reported to the provincial government between 2015 and 2018.