[Test] Legionellosis

Legionella

Legionellosis is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella.

These bacteria tend to live in wet environments. Examples include natural bodies of water, moist soil and man-made water systems. 

They thrive in warm water such as hot tubs, cooling towers and large plumbing systems. They also thrive in parts of air conditioning systems in large buildings.

How it spreads

People get Legionellosis by inhaling mist or vapor contaminated with Legionella, not through person-to-person contact. 

Common sources of exposure include: 

• Hot tubs
• Decorative fountains
• Cooling towers
• Hot water tanks
• Large plumbing systems
• Misting devices (if not properly maintained) 

Home and car air-conditioning units do not use water to cool the air, so they aren't a risk for Legionella growth. This includes window units, like the kind seen at some hotels. 

Legionella can also grow in the windshield wiper fluid take if water is added. When the windshield is sprayed with mist to clean it, the bacteria can be inhaled.

Signs and symptoms 

Legionnaires' disease symptoms usually develop two to 14 days after exposure and may include: 

• High fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Other symptoms such as confusion, diarrhea or nausea

Pontiac Fever symptoms usually develop a few hours to three days after exposure and last less than one week. Symptoms may include: 

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches

No pneumonia: Unlike Legionnaires' disease, Pontiac fever does not involve pneumonia.

Legionnaires' disease can be serious and even fatal. Pontiac fever is generally milder than Legionnaires' disease and complications are not expected.

People at higher risk

Most healthy people exposed to Legionella don't get sick. People most at risk include: 

• People 50 years and older
• People who smoke or previously smoked
• People with chronic disease
• People with compromised immune systems

Treatment and recovery

Treatment with antibiotics is effective for Legionnaires' disease, and healthy people usually recover. Pontiac fever usually resolves on its own without treatment or complications.