Legionnaires' confirmed at Toronto seniors home

CBC News Posted: Oct 17, 2011 8:28 AM ET

A resident of a seniors care home north of Toronto has died after testing positive for legionnaires' disease.

Health officials are awaiting test results to confirm the cause of death at Bloomington Cove, a long-term care facility for 112 residents in Stouffville.

"A resident did become ill at the end of September and was taken to hospital," said Joy Marshall, York Region’s acting director for infectious disease. "Testing showed us a positive culture for legionella. That elderly resident died."

Marshall said no announcements will be made until they had the results of lab tests.

For now staff at Bloomington Cove are watching residents for any signs of high fevers, chills and coughing. Residents at the seniors home are using a waterless method for bathing as there's no water being run in the facility.

Legionella bacteria is spread through water droplets in the air and not from person to person.