Legionella Cases Confirmed at Glen Haven Manor in New Glasgow

**** NSHA Media Release

Legionella Cases Confirmed at Glen Haven Manor in New Glasgow

Public Health is currently investigating cases of Legionella among residents and a staff member at Glen Haven Manor in New Glasgow. Currently there are three lab confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease, nine probable cases of Legionnaires’ disease, and one probable case of Pontiac fever. A significant proportion are presently hospitalized in relation to their illness. Updated numbers will be available after 3:30 p.m. today.

‘Legionella pneumophila’ is a bacteria commonly found in Nova Scotia’s waterways that can cause respiratory infections which includes Pontiac fever (milder) and Legionnaires’ disease (more severe). The source of most Legionella infections is breathing the mist from a contaminated water source, such as hot water systems (showers) or air conditioning cooling towers.

Legionella cannot be spread from person to person, and the risk to the general public is very low.

Public Health is coordinating with our partners at the Department of Environment and Climate Change to undertake environmental testing of the water at Glen Haven Manor, which will help determine next steps for the facility.

Learn more about Legionella: https://www.nshealth.ca/news/qa-legionella-and-legionellosis-legionnaires-disease.