Legionellosis

What is Legionellosis?

Legionellosis is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila and includes pneumonic form (Legionnaire's disease) and the non-pneumonic form (Pontiac Fever).

Legionnaires' disease is a severe and potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. The bacteria thrive in warm water environments such as hot tubs, cooling towers, and large plumbing systems. When people inhale contaminated water droplets or vapour, they can become infected with Legionella.

Symptoms:

Legionnaire's disease presents as pneumonia, with a dry non-productive cough and severe flu-like symptoms. It can occur sporadically as an uncommon cause of community-acquired pneumonia, or as cases associated with environmental sources such as hospitals, hotels and factories.

Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease often mimic those of pneumonia and can include high fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. It primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. 

Legionnaires' disease can sometimes occur in outbreaks, often linked to shared water systems in buildings or public spaces.

Prevention:

Preventive measures include maintaining proper water hygiene in cooling systems, ensuring clean and well-maintained water sources, and following public health guidelines to minimise the risk of infection.