What is Legionnaires' disease?
Legionnaires' disease, commonly known as Legionella, is a form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila and other species of the bacterium. The disease usually develops 2 to 10 days after exposure to contaminated water or soil.
How is the bacterium transmitted?
People become infected when they breathe aerosols contaminated with the bacteria, i.e. through the inhalation of Legionella bacteria present in aerosols formed by fine particles of water.
Can the disease be contracted by drinking water?
No. Legionella does not enter the body through the ingestion of water, but rather through the breathing of aerosols (in the form of water droplets) contaminated with the bacteria.
Can I be infected by a person who has the disease?
There is only one case described in the literature of possible person-to-person transmission.
What is the incubation period?
The incubation period is 5 to 6 days after infection, and can go up to 14 days.
What are the main symptoms of the disease?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and may include:
- headache
- cough
- fever
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- muscle aches and pains
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
How is Legionella infection diagnosed?
Legionella infection is diagnosed by identifying symptoms and performing laboratory tests.
Where can Legionella bacteria be found?
It is possible to find this bacterium in water circuits, namely in places where aerosols are formed, such as:
- faucets or showers
- Ornamental Fountains
- Irrigation systems
- Turkish baths, Jacuzzis, and saunas
- Cooling towers, air conditioning systems
- Humidification equipment
What conditions are conducive to the multiplication of the bacterium?
The multiplication of the Legionella bacterium is more common in water circuits such as:
- Hot & Cold Water Tanks / Cisterns
- hot water between 25°C and 42°C
- Water pipes with little or no flow
- sludge (biofilm) and dirt in pipes that feed showers and taps and in the
- Internal Tank Surfaces
- Rubber and natural fibres present in washers and seals
- cisterns (water heaters) and hot water storage tanks
- Fouling in pipes, showers and taps
What are the complications of Legionella infection?
The most serious complications of Legionella infection can include:
-
respiratory
- insufficiency
- lung abscesses
- generalised infection and damage to organs other than the lungs
- meningitis
- death
Who is most at risk of developing complications?
The risk of complications increases by:
- People over 50 years old
- people with chronic diseases
- people who smoke or
Is it possible to prevent Legionella infection?
yes. To prevent the disease, it is essential to reduce the risk of infection with Legionella bacteria, namely through the surveillance and maintenance of facilities and equipment that use water where Legionella bacteria can develop.
What is the treatment for the disease?
Legionella infection is treated with medication.
Source: Directorate-General for Health (DGS)