LEGIONELLA
Causes & Transmission
· Exposure
Legionnaires' disease (LEE-juh-nares) is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. The Legionellabacteria are found naturally in the environment, usually in water. The bacteria grow best in warm water, like the kind found in
· Hot tubs
· Hot water tanks
· Large plumbing systems
· Decorative fountains
They do not seem to grow in car or window air-conditioners.
People get Legionnaires' disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor (small droplets of water in the air) containing the bacteria. One example might be from breathing in droplets sprayed from a hot tub that has not been properly cleaned and disinfected. The bacteria are not spread from one person to another person.
The bacteria are NOT spread from one person to another person.
Most people exposed to the bacteria do not become ill. If you have reason to believe you were exposed to the bacteria, talk to your doctor or local health department. Be sure to mention if you have traveled in the last two weeks.
A person diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease in the workplace is not a threat to others who share office space or other areas with him or her. However, if you believe that your workplace was the source of the person's illness, contact your local health department.
Legionnaires' Disease
Legionnaires' disease can have symptoms like many other forms of pneumonia, so it can be hard to diagnose at first. Signs of Legionnaires' disease can include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- High fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
These symptoms usually begin 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
Pontiac Fever
A milder infection, also caused by Legionella bacteria, is called Pontiac fever. The symptoms of Pontiac fever are similar to those of Legionnaires’ disease and usually last for 2 to 5 days. Pontiac fever is different from Legionnaires' disease because the patient does not have pneumonia.
Symptoms go away on their own without treatment.
http://www.cdc.gov/legionella/about/
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