New Glasgow Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

Quick Outbreak Details:

Outbreak Dates (First to Most Recent Cases): July–August 2023

Confirmed Cases: 10

Probable Cases: 22

Deaths: Multiple suspected, not confirmed

Exposure Source: Potential cooling tower at Aberdeen Hospital

In summer 2023, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, experienced a significant outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, leading to a total of 10 laboratory-confirmed cases and 22 probable infections. Nova Scotia Health suspects that multiple deaths may have been associated with the outbreak, either directly from the infection or as a complication of existing chronic health conditions. Public Health declared the outbreak over on August 29, 2023, after several weeks without new reported cases.

New Glasgow Outbreak Overview

The outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New Glasgow prompted heightened concern across the region, especially among vulnerable populations. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which spreads through inhaling contaminated water vapor or mist—not from person-to-person contact.

Many of the affected individuals were either elderly, smokers, or had chronic health conditions—groups most at risk for serious complications from the disease. Several residents of a local nursing home were hospitalized with severe pneumonia during the height of the outbreak.

While the source of the contamination has not been definitively confirmed, a cooling tower at Aberdeen Hospital tested positive for Legionella bacteria in early August. The tower was immediately shut down, cleaned, and disinfected. Public Health is awaiting test results to determine whether that tower was the source of any confirmed cases.

Public Health Response

Nova Scotia Health and Public Health agencies responded quickly to the outbreak, issuing advisories and conducting environmental testing across the affected area. Once the bacteria was detected in the hospital cooling tower, remediation measures were implemented, and no further Legionella bacteria were detected.

The outbreak was officially declared over on August 29, 2023, following several weeks without new infections. However, officials continue to monitor the situation and await further lab analysis to determine a more definitive link between the hospital cooling tower and the outbreak.

Legal Considerations for Affected Individuals

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after spending time in New Glasgow during the summer of 2023, you may be entitled to legal recourse. Legal investigations can help uncover whether negligence in water system maintenance contributed to the outbreak and resulting illnesses or deaths.

You may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to exposure. Our experienced legal team can help determine liability and guide you through the next steps.

Contact Us

If you or a family member has been affected by the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New Glasgow, it’s essential to seek medical attention and speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you understand your legal rights.