Siskinds LLP has commenced a class action in relation to injuries arising from a large outbreak of Legionella infections in London, Ontario. The infections were traced to bacteria originating in cooling towers at the Sofina Foods Ltd. meat processing plant in London, Ontario. Cooling towers are structures that contain water and a fan as part of centralized air-cooling systems for buildings or industrial processes. Cooling towers, when not cleaned and sanitized properly, are a well-known cultivator and transmission point of Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria are a significant public health risk.
Legionella infections can result in Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever. Legionnaires’ disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness. This makes proper maintenance and monitoring of cooling towers essential to prevent Legionella outbreaks.
Middlesex-London Health Unit links Legionella outbreak to Sofina Foods
An investigation by the Middlesex-London Health Unit found that the subtype of Legionella discovered at the Sofina Foods plant matched the subtype causing the illness of 101 people and the death of five people in 2025. During a related outbreak in 2024, 30 people were made ill, and two people died from exposure to the same subtype of Legionella.
Siskinds LLP seeks compensation for victims
Siskinds is pursuing legal action to recover compensation for people who suffered illness or death from being exposed to Legionella bacteria. This action does not currently include employees of Sofina Foods, but it focuses on members of the public who were impacted by the outbreak.
What is Legionella bacteria?
Legionella is a bacterium that, when inhaled, can cause Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever.
Legionella bacteria can be found naturally in soil and water but in small amounts that usually don’t cause illness. In human-made water systems such as cooling towers, large plumbing systems, and hot tubs, Legionella bacteria can multiply, especially in areas where water is stagnant at temperatures between 25-45°C. Legionella bacteria are transmitted to people through water droplets in the air and can be carried significant distances once emitted into the atmosphere. Not everyone exposed to Legionella bacteria will become ill, but the risk increases for immunocompromised individuals or individuals who smoke.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:
- Pneumonia
- High fever and chills
- Dry cough
- Loss of memory, confusion, delirium, and hallucinations
- Muscle aches and headaches
Complications of Legionnaires’ disease can can be serious and life threatening. Symptoms of LegiComplications of Legionnaires’ disease can be life-threatening, potentially leading to respiratory failure, shock and kidney failure, and multi-organ failure. These symptoms and complications can be serious and life-threatening. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually begin two to ten days after exposure to Legionella bacteria and can last for several weeks to several months.
Symptoms of Pontiac fever
Pontiac fever is a milder illness caused by Legionella bacteria. Symptoms of Pontiac fever include:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
These symptoms usually begin five to 72 hours after exposure to Legionella bacteria and can last for two to five days.
How Siskinds can help
If you or a member of your family has suffered injuries or complications from Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever after spending time in London, Ontario and are not Sofina Foods employees, our class action team is available to try to assist you in seeking compensation. Contact us for more information.
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