Legionella Outbreak Investigations: A Practical Approach, Part II

Legionella is a bacteria that resides in the environment, usually contracted by inhalation of contaminated aerosolized water from human made water systems. Exposure can result in Pontiac fever, a self-limited flu-like illness or Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. This three-part series will provide a practical overview of public health investigations of legionellosis, including assessment of the epidemiology, potential environmental sources, appropriate clinical and environmental testing, and environmental control and remediation.

Intended audience: Public Health Unit (PHU) staff in case and outbreak management, environmental health, Associate Medical Officers of Health (AMOHs), Medical Officers of Health (MOHs)

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe an environmental risk assessment and sampling plan components (e.g., health and safety considerations, sample collection) for a Legionella investigation.
• Discuss the interpretation of environmental, epidemiological and laboratory data in the investigation of Legionella outbreaks.
• Describe control and remediation measures for Legionella in water systems.

Upcoming Sessions

Part 3 (June 8) will describe a cooling tower-associated outbreak investigated by Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit, lessons learned and approaches used to communicate with the public.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Accreditation

PHO Rounds are approved for continuing medical education from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. PHO Rounds are also approved by Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI). For more information, contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Stay up-to-date

Stay up-to-date on upcoming events and calls for abstracts by visiting our calendar. If you have submissions, or questions or comments about the items above, send them to capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Accessibility

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Register Here