In this Article

• What is legionellosis?
• How common is legionellosis?
• What are the usual symptoms of legionellosis?
• How is the diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease made?
• Who develops legionellosis?
• What is the treatment for legionellosis?
• How is legionellosis spread?
• Where is the Legionella bacterium found?
• How can legionellosis be prevented?
• Legionellosis At A Glance
• Legionnaire Disease and Pontiac Fever Glossary
• Legionnaire Disease and Pontiac Fever Index

How can legionellosis be prevented?

Prevention is aimed at improving the design and maintenance of cooling towers and plumbing systems. The goal is limiting the growth and aerosolization of Legionella organisms.

During outbreaks, health investigators seek to identify the source of disease transmission and recommend appropriate prevention and control measures, such as decontamination of the water source.

Detailed guidelines for the prevention of Legionnaires' disease both in hospitals with no identified cases ("primary prevention") and in hospitals with reported cases ("secondary prevention") have been published and are available in the U.S. from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Legionellosis At A Glance

• Legionellosis is an infection that is caused by a bacterium.
• The bacterium thrives in the mist that is sprayed from air-conditioning ducts.
• The bacterium can infest an entire building.
• The illness takes two distinct forms: Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever.
• Legionnaires' disease is the more severe form and can be fatal.
• Pontiac fever is the far milder form of the illness.
• Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include fever, chills, and a cough.
• At its worst, Legionnaires' disease can cause severe pneumonia and respiratory failure.
• Although antibiotics are effective for treatment, the most useful approach is prevention.

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