MONCTON, N.B.—New Brunswick health officials say there are now 12 confirmed cases of legionnaires’ disease in the Moncton area.

Dr. Yves Leger, the regional medical officer of health, made the announcement Thursday, saying a dozen people have the severe form of pneumonia and most of them are over the age of 50.

He says all 12 people are recovering, but the exact source of the outbreak has yet to be confirmed.

The legionella bacteria can be found in both natural bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes and streams, and in water systems such as some air conditioners, cooling towers, whirlpools, spas and decorative fountains.

Officials say the bacteria are not spread person to person or by drinking water. They are spread when present in a water source and fine mists of water from that source are inhaled.

In New Brunswick, 28 cases were reported to public health officials between 2015 and 2018.

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