Legionnaires' Disease
Legionnaires' disease is a type of serious pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella.
- Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
- Certain people are at increased risk for this infection.
- Legionnaires' disease is treatable with antibiotics.
- People can get Legionnaires' disease by breathing in mist containing Legionella bacteria. In general, it isn't spread person to person.
- Know if you’re at risk of Legionnaires’ disease and talk to your healthcare provider if you're concerned.
Legionella most commonly causes one of two diseases:
- Legionnaires' disease is a type of severe pneumonia
- Pontiac fever is mild illness that can include fever, muscle aches, and headaches
Rarely, Legionella can cause infections outside of the lungs, such as heart or wound infections.
Symptoms
Legionnaires' disease symptoms usually develop 2 to 14 days after exposure to Legionella bacteria, but it can take longer.
The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are similar to other types of pneumonia.
Symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
Other symptoms, such as confusion, diarrhea, or nausea can also occur.
Risk Factors
Most healthy people exposed to Legionella don't get sick. People at increased risk of getting sick include:
- Current or former smokers
- People 50 years or older
- People with specific health issues or conditions
Health issues and conditions
People with the following health conditions are at increased risk for getting sick if exposed to Legionella:
- Cancer
- Chronic lung disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Weak immune system
Chronic lung disease includes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (commonly called COPD) and emphysema.
In addition to medical conditions, some medicines weaken the immune system (like chemotherapy or those taken after a transplant operation).
source: https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/about/index.html
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