What is legionnaire’s disease?
Legionnaire’s disease symptoms are pneumonia, induced by a bacteria from the - Legionella family, usually the Legionella pneumophlia. The bacteria can be found in the environment, mainly in water, and it multiplies rapidly in stagnant waters whose temperature ranges between 25 and 45°C. Mostly this involves a handful of infections, with no connection between them, but sometimes outbreaks may occur which are related to a common source of exposure.
What are the symptoms?
Legionnaire’s disease symptoms are similar to those of pneumonia from other causes. These symptoms include: severe fever, shivering and coughing (either dry or involving phlegm secretions). Some patients also suffer from muscle pains, headaches, disorientation and diarrhea.
The onset of the symptoms is usually between two days and 10 days (usually 5 to 6 days) after infection. It may take up to several weeks to fully recover from this disease. In rare cases the disease can be unusually severe and even fatal, especially among elderly patients or among those suffering from additional diseases.
There is also a less severe form of the disease, caused by the legionella bacteria. This form is referred to as Pontiac fever. This disease has symptoms similar to influenza, including fever, headaches and muscle aches.
This disease does not develop into pneumonia, and it abates untreated after 2-5 days.
Who are at elevated risk of developing Legionnaire’s disease?
- Elderly individuals, usually aged 65 and over
- Heavy smokers
- Those infected with chronic pulmonary disease
- Sufferers from suppressed immune systems: cancer patients, AIDS patients, patients being treated with immune system suppressants, diabetics and dialysis patients.
How is the disease contracted?
The bacteria are transmitted in airborne water droplets contaminated with Legionella , which individuals who are exposed to them inhale into their pulmonary systems.
The contaminated airborne droplets may originate in a variety of sources, including:
- Washing and use of heated water (especially from contaminated shower heads)
- Jacuzzi bathes and fountains
- Air conditioning system cooling towers
- Air conditioning systems based on air cooling by direct contact with water
The disease is not transmitted from one person to another. The majority of people who are exposed to the bacteria will not develop the disease. The disease develops after exposure primarily in persons with the risk factors mentioned above.
Treatment of the disease
The disease is treated with antibiotic medicines. Patients often need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous antibiotics.
