People can get Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac feverPontiac fever About the Disease

Legionella bacteria can cause a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) called Legionnaires' disease. Legionella bacteria can also cause a less serious illness called Pontiac fever.

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About Legionnaires Disease and Pontiac Fever | CDC

when they breathe in small droplets of water in the air that contain the bacteria. Less commonly, people can get sick by aspiration of drinking water containing Legionella. This happens when water accidently goes into the lungs while drinking.

Where did Legionnaires disease come from?

Legionella was discovered after an outbreak in 1976 among people who went to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion. Those who were affected suffered from a type of pneumonia that eventually became known as Legionnaires' disease.

What is the most common way of contracting Legionnaires disease?

Most people catch Legionnaires' disease by inhaling the bacteria from water or soil. Older adults, smokers and people with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to Legionnaires' disease.

Where is Legionella found?

The bacterium Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria are common in natural water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, but usually in low numbers. They may also be found in purpose-built water systems such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hot and cold water systems and spa pools.

Where is Legionnaires disease most common?

Worldwide, waterborne Legionella pneumophila is the most common cause of cases including outbreaks. Legionella pneumophila and related species are commonly found in lakes, rivers, creeks, hot springs and other bodies of water.

Legionnaires' Disease: What You Need to Know

25 related questions found

Does Legionnaires disease go away by itself?

The condition may cause fever, headaches, and muscle aches, but the symptoms usually go away on their own. Typically, less than 5 percent of people exposed to the bacteria develop Legionnaires' disease. Of every 20 people who become ill from the condition, one to six will die of it, based on CDC statistics. 4.

Can I get Legionnaires from my shower?

Legionella bacteria is dispersed in airborne water droplets, so the spray created by a shower is the perfect delivery mechanism. Anyone using a contaminated shower risks breathing in the bacteria and developing Legionnaires' disease as the bug takes hold in the lungs.

Can you get Legionnaires disease from tap water?

You can get Legionnaires' disease from things like:

taps and showers that are not used often.

What kills legionella?

Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is another popular choice for disinfecting water sources to control legionella, other bacteria and importantly biofilm. There are many reasons for this.

How quickly does Legionnaires develop?

Legionnaires' disease can also be associated with other symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and confusion. Symptoms usually begin 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the bacteria, but it can take longer. If you develop pneumonia symptoms, see a doctor right away.

What is the mortality rate for Legionnaires disease?

The mortality rate in patients with Legionnaires disease is 5-80%, depending on certain risk factors. The factors associated with high mortality rates include the following: Age (especially those younger than 1 y and elderly patients)

Does Legionnaires affect the brain?

Cerebral and cerebellar symptoms are frequently associated with Legionnaires' disease. However, corresponding brain lesions are difficult to demonstrate using either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What hotel did Legionnaires start?

The Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, site of the first known outbreak of Legionnaires' disease.

What hotel was the Legionnaires disease?

Cases of Legionnaires' disease associated with an Albert Lea hotel are prompting state health officials to warn anyone who stayed at the hotel in late June to seek medical care promptly if they are ill.

How does Legionella get in water?

According to the CDC, more than half of Legionnaires' disease outbreaks are caused by the drinking water. Exposure to Legionella bacteria most often occurs when exposed to contaminated water coming out of our faucets, shower heads, and even ice machines.

Why was Legionnaires disease given such an odd name?

Legionnaires' disease acquired its name in 1976 after an outbreak of pneumonia occurred among people attending the American Legion convention at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. Later, the bacterium causing the illness was named Legionella pneumophila.

Does Legionella grow in cold water?

Legionella grows best within a certain temperature range (77°F-113°F). To keep water outside the range for Legionella growth, it is important to keep cold water cold and keep hot water hot.

How long should you flush taps for Legionella?

When flushing taps, run each one for at least five minutes. Turn the water on slowly so you don't splash it, thus releasing water droplets into the air.

How does Legionella normally enter your body?

People can get Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever when they breathe in small droplets of water in the air that contain the bacteria. Less commonly, people can get sick by aspiration of drinking water containing Legionella. This happens when water accidently goes into the lungs while drinking.

How can Legionnaires be prevented?

There are no vaccines that can prevent Legionnaires' disease. Instead, the key to preventing Legionnaires' disease is to reduce the risk of Legionella growth and spread. Building owners and managers can do this by maintaining building water systems and implementing controls for Legionella.

How long does it take for Legionella to grow in water?

Legionella Facts and FAQ 4 – Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal, bacterial pneumonia infection that is contracted by breathing in water droplets with an incubation period of 2-10 days with an average onset of 3-6 days.

What is the pink stuff on my shower floor?

The “pink mold” you may find in your shower actually isn't mold, but a very common strain of airborne bacteria that's found throughout the world. The bacteria, Serratia marcescens, cause that pink or even red slime you might find in your shower, toilet bowl, or around other water fixtures.

How often should shower heads be disinfected?

All shower heads should be removed, cleaned, descaled (if necessary) and disinfected every three months. Keep a record of the dates when the shower heads were cleaned in your diary. Shower heads produce a fine spray and aerosol and are an ideal source for legionella bacteria.

How often should a shower not in regular use be run?

If you have taps or showers you don't use regularly, run them for 5-10 minutes at least once a month to clear the pipes. Try to clean the outside of taps and shower heads at least once every three months. Ensure there aren't any places where water can stay still and build up bacteria.

Can you smell legionella?

Yes, it's possible to Smell legionella. Your water may have a distinct "rotten egg" or sulfur smell when it's contaminated.