31 August 2012: Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens – Outbreak of Legionnaire's Disease in Quebec City
Quebec provincial authorities are reporting an outbreak of Legionnaire's disease in Quebec City, which has affected approximately 150 people since mid-July. Legionnaire's disease is a non-contagious, bacterial illness, which is generally treatable with antibiotics but which can be fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although the exact source of the outbreak remains unknown, the disease is associated with air conditioning systems, and health authorities continue to systematically inspect and decontaminate cooling towers in the city. The zone considered to be problematic is largely outside the principal tourist areas of the city.
According to Quebec officials, as of August 30th, 9 persons have died. Older individuals are particularly susceptible. The majority of affected persons have been elderly residents of downtown Quebec City (average age 77 years). To date, there have been no reports of U.S. citizens having been affected.
Quebec Ministry of Public Health encourages concerned persons to visit its website (French only), but to date the government has not issued any specific alerts. Quebec's Maritime Agency, which oversees cruise ship visits, has indicated it is meeting daily with public health officials but has not yet felt the need to issue an alert or take special measures concerning cruise ship visits.
Additional facts on Legionnaire's disease are available from the CDC.
U.S. citizens living or traveling in Canada are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling, you make it easier for the embassy/consulates to contact you in case of emergency. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa can be reached at (613) 688-5335; the after-hours emergency number is (613) 238-5335; the fax number is (613) 688-3082. The Embassy is located at 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario and the website is canada.usembassy.gov. The consular section is reachable via email at ottawacons@state.gov.
The U.S. Consulate General in Montreal can be reached at (514) 398-9695; the after-hours emergency number is (514) 981-5059; the fax number is (514) 398-9748. The Consulate General is located at 1155 rue St-Alexandre, Montreal, Quebec and the website is montreal.usconsulate.gov. The consular section is reachable via email at Montreal-ACS@state.gov.
The U.S. Consulate General in Quebec can be reached at (418) 692-2095; the after-hours emergency number is (418) 692-2095; the fax number is (418) 692-4640. The Consulate General is located at 2, rue de la Terrasse Dufferin, Quebec, Quebec and the website is quebec.usconsulate.gov. The consular section is reachable via email at quebecacs@state.gov.
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