Prince George, B.C.- Northern Health  Medical Health Officer Dr. William Osei says Northern Health has started its investigation into the source of a case of Legionnaires disease.

 

Dr. Osei says Northern Health only learned of the case after being made aware of the situation by Opinion250.

 

A man from a farm east of Edmonton is in the University Hospital of Edmonton  in an induced coma, suffering from the disease.  He had been admitted to hospital after returning from   snow mobiling in the Valemount area. It is thought he may have contracted the illness while on that trip.

 

Dr. Osei says there is only one confirmed case “The thought there were two people is likely the result of two lab reports, however, both those reports were related to the one person.”

 

Dr. Osei says Northern Health is hoping to talk with the man to get more details on his recent trip into B.C. but until the man is well enough to provide those details,  Northern Health is contacting hotels in the Valemount area to check their saunas or hot tubs  and  will be inspecting all facilities in the area tomorrow. Dr. Osei says it is also possible this case is related  to a hot tub at a private residence.

 

Legionnaires disease cannot be spread from person to person. It can only be contracted by breathing in the bacteria which breeds in moist warm conditions which is why  it is thought this case may be  linked to a sauna, spa or hot tub.  It an also  come from bacteria  in poorly maintained air-conditioners.  Dr. Osei says  owners of large air conditioning and hot water systems as well as private saunas, are advised to seek advice from Health Protection of NH (250-565-2150) on proper disinfection and maintenance of their systems.

 

Now that is has the information on the  illness,  Dr. Osei  wants to assure the public that Northern Health  is taking all necessary steps to investigate the source of this case and prevent its spread.   He says Northern Health  will provide updates as the information changes.