Legionnaires' Disease
LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE
Legionnaires' disease
is a serious lung infection (pneumonia) caused by Legionella bacteria. Pontiac
fever is the milder form of the disease whose symptoms include fever and muscle
aches
HOW DO PEOPLE GET THE DISEASE?
People get
Legionnaires' disease when they breathe in small droplets of water in the air
that contain Legionella bacteria, or when contaminated water
accidentally gets into the lungs.
WHERE DO YOU FIND LEGIONELLA BACTERIA?
Legionella bacteria can be found in freshwater
lakes and streams. The bacteria can become a serious public health concern when
it grows and spreads in building water systems.
POPULATION AT RISK
FOR LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE
People 50 years or older, current or
former smokers, and people with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems are
particularly at increased risk for getting Legionnaires’ disease.
DIAGNOSIS
Urine antigen and laboratory tests are the main methods for testing for the disease. Laboratory test involves taking a sputum sample or washing from the lung and isolating the bacteria. Though blood test is available, it can be nonspecific in majority of the situations. Legionnaires’ disease can be confirmed by chest x-ray.
COMPLICATION
Possible
complications of Legionnaires’ disease include lung failure and death. About 1
in every 10 people who gets sick from Legionnaires’ disease will die due to
complications.
TREATMENT
Pontiac fever resolves without
medication or treatment. However, Legionnaires’ disease requires antibiotic
treatment to kill the bacteria.
PREVENTION
There is no vaccine for preventing Legionnaires’ disease. Good maintenance and management of building water systems such as hot water tanks and heaters, hot tubs, large plumbing systems, cooling towers and decorative water fountains prevent growth and spread of Legionella.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
If you show signs of Legionnaires’ disease, or believe that you
may have been exposed to Legionella, talk to your doctor.
OUTBREAK RESPONSE
Shelby County Health Department has been involved in multiple responses of Legionnaires’ disease over the last few years, providing guidance and assisting in remediation efforts in facilities such as hotels, fitness centers, etc
LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE IN A NUTSHELL!!!
Tell your doctor!!!
Human Lungs With Legionnaires' Disease
* Values less than 5 counts are censored to to maintain confidentiality