Fraser Health has now confirmed tests for Legionnaires’ disease bacteria have come back positive in the cooling towers at the Guildford Town Centre Mall and the adjoining Walmart.
Officials say a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease was detected a few days ago in the Surrey neighbourhood.
There have been seven confirmed cases so far.
The Guildford Town Centre Mall is open but the Walmart has now been closed for an unspecified amount of time.
The Fraser Health Authority is also advising anyone who has developed pneumonia-like symptoms and who is at higher risk — people such as smokers, the elderly or those with chronic lung conditions — to visit a doctor.
WATCH: Health officials investigating ‘cluster’ of Legionnaires’ disease cases
Symptoms can include cough, fatigue, fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Fraser Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Aamir Bharmal said last week.
“People who are exposed to it, specifically people who are at high risk to it, may start to see symptoms within two to 10 days,” said Bharmal.
Anyone who was in Surrey’s Guildford neighbourhood in the past 10 days and is now showing symptoms should also inform their doctor, the health authority added.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a bacteria known as Legionella, which is commonly found in the natural environment, including fresh water, groundwater and the soil.
It can, in extreme cases, be fatal.
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