Fraser Health investigating outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Surrey, B.C.

SURREY, B.C. – Public health officials are investigating a number of cases of Legionnaires' disease contracted in Surrey, B.C.

Fraser Health doesn't say how many people are affected, but says it is looking into the source of a cluster of cases in Surrey's Guildford neighbourhood.

Fraser Health says most people in good health do not get the disease when exposed to the bacteria, but the elderly, smokers and people with chronic lung conditions or compromised immune systems are at higher risk.

Symptoms include fever, shortness of breath, severe fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and resemble symptoms often found in cases of pneumonia.

Legionnaires' disease is caused when people breathe in small droplets of water containing the bacterium known as Legionella, often found in freshwater, groundwater and soil, as well as cooling towers, hot tubs, and larger plumbing systems.

The statement says anyone who travelled to that area of Surrey since Aug. 21 should speak with their doctor about testing and treatments.