| LEGIONELLOSIS (Legionnaire's Disease) |
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About the Disease
Legionellosis is a severe disease characterized by pneumonia, dry cough and muscle pain. Caused by bacteria found in water sources in the environment, there are two forms of the disease: Pontiac fever, a mild respiratory infection; and Legionnaires' disease, a very serious form of pneumonia.
Legionnaires' disease acquired its name in 1976, after an outbreak of severe pneumonia spread among individuals attending an American Legion convention in Philadelphia. | | |
| AT A GLANCE |
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What it is: Legionellosis is a lung infection caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophilia. In its mild form, it is called Pontiac fever. The more serious form of legionellosis is called Legionnaires' disease. |
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Transmission: The bacteria live best in warm, stagnant water, and so the disease is spread through water. People get legionellosis by inhaling water mist containing the bacteria. Infections have been traced to mist-producing devices, such as certain air-conditioning systems and water heaters. Legionellosis outbreaks have been traced the whirlpools, showers, humidifiers, decorative spraying fountains and more. |
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Symptoms: For Pontiac fever, the symptoms include fever and muscle aches, but not pneumonia. People with this form of legionellosis usually recover in 2 to 5 days.
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include fever, chills and a cough, which may be dry or productive. Sometimes, patients will have muscle aches, headache, general tiredness, loss of appetite and diarrhea. Chest X-rays will show pneumonia. |
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Prevention: Cleaning and properly maintaining pools, air-conditioning units, and other sources of water helps eliminate areas where the bacteria can grow. |
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Treatment: Pontiac fever requires no specific treatment. People with Legionnaires' disease are treated with antibiotics, usually erythromycin. | |
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| CONTACT |
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Find out more
You can also contact your local health office, or call our Health Info Hotline at 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948).
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