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Legionella

Legionella is a type of bacteria that causes a lung infection similar to pneumonia, commonly known as Legionnaires' Disease. The bacteria got is name in 1976 when a group from the American Legion suffered from an outbreak of the disease.

Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water, like the kind found in hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and air conditioning systems.

It is transmitted by breathing in water vapor that has been contaminated with the bacteria, like steam from a whirlpool spa that has not be cleaned properly. It is not spread from person to person.

Risk Factors:

• 65 years of age or older
• smokers
• chronic lung disease (COPD)
• people with weak immune systems

Signs & Symptoms: begin 2-14 days after exposure and can last for 2-5 days.

• high fever
• chills
• cough
• muscle aches
• headache
• pneumonia