It's legionnaires' disease. Public health officials say that is the likely cause of a deadly outbreak at a Scarborough nursing home.
The illness has so far claimed 16 lives and has turned international attention on the city and renewed the old SARS fears.
Since the outbreak began September 25 at Seven Oaks Home for the Aged, health offiicals have repeatedly insisted everything is under control. They also admitted they weren't sure of the cause.
In all, more than 80 residents, staff and visitors to the nursing home have been affected. There have been no new cases in three days.
Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia that usually affects elderly people with respiratory problems.
The bacterium, which has been confirmed in autopsies done on three victims, is common in the environment, but outbreaks are still fairly rare.
It is typically spread through ventilation and water systems.
The illness has so far claimed 16 lives and has turned international attention on the city and renewed the old SARS fears.
Since the outbreak began September 25 at Seven Oaks Home for the Aged, health offiicals have repeatedly insisted everything is under control. They also admitted they weren't sure of the cause.
In all, more than 80 residents, staff and visitors to the nursing home have been affected. There have been no new cases in three days.
Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia that usually affects elderly people with respiratory problems.
The bacterium, which has been confirmed in autopsies done on three victims, is common in the environment, but outbreaks are still fairly rare.
It is typically spread through ventilation and water systems.