Where is legionnaires disease

Pontiac fever usually clears on its own, but untreated Legionnaires' disease can be fatal. Although prompt treatment with antibiotics usually cures Legionnaires' disease, some people continue to have problems after treatment. Legionnaires' disease usually develops two to 10 days after exposure to legionella bacteria.

It frequently begins with the following signs and symptoms:. Although Legionnaires' disease primarily affects the lungs, it occasionally can cause infections in wounds and in other parts of the body, including the heart. A mild form of Legionnaires' disease — known as Pontiac fever — can produce fever, chills, headache and muscle aches.

Pontiac fever doesn't infect your lungs, and symptoms usually clear within two to five days. See your doctor if you think you've been exposed to legionella bacteria. Diagnosing and treating Legionnaires' disease as soon as possible can help shorten the recovery period and prevent serious complications. For people at high risk, such as smokers or older adults, prompt treatment is critical. The bacterium Legionella pneumophila is responsible for most cases of Legionnaires' disease.

Outdoors, legionella bacteria survive in soil and water, but rarely cause infections. However, legionella bacteria can multiply in water systems made by humans, such as air conditioners. Although it's possible to get Legionnaires' disease from home plumbing, most outbreaks have occurred in large buildings, perhaps because complex systems allow the bacteria to grow and spread more easily. Also, home and car air conditioning units don't use water for cooling.

Most people become infected when they inhale microscopic water droplets containing legionella bacteria. Legionnaires' disease is serious and can be life-threatening. However, most people recover with antibiotic treatment. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.

Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Legionnaires' Disease Also called: Legionellosis. Most people exposed to the bacteria do not become sick. You are more likely to get sick if you Are older than 50 Smoke Have a chronic lung disease Have a weak immune system Legionnaires' disease is serious and can be life-threatening. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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