Legionella and Legionnaires' Disease - Things to Know

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes Legionnaires’ disease as a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria can also cause a less serious illness known as Pontiac fever.

While the bacteria can be found naturally in freshwater environments, it can become a health concern if it grows and spreads in man-made building water systems. This is due to the fact that water containing Legionella can spread in droplets small enough for people to inhale and about 1 in 10 people who get sick from Legionnaires’ disease die. CDC also states that less commonly, people can get sick by aspiration of drinking water containing Legionella.

The agency reports that most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick. People at increased risk of getting sick include:
• People 50 years or older
• Current or former smokers
• Those with a chronic lung disease (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema)
• People with weak immune systems or who take drugs that weaken the immune system (like after a transplant operation or chemotherapy)
• Those with cancer
• People with underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure or liver failure

CDC warns that the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are very similar to other types of pneumonia. They may include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches. These and other symptoms usually begin 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the bacteria, but it can take longer.

Some of the building water systems listed by the CDC where Legionella could grow and spread include:
• Showerheads and sink faucets
• Cooling towers (structures that contain water and a fan as part of centralized air cooling systems for buildings or industrial processes)
• Hot tubs
• Decorative fountains and water features
• Hot water tanks and heaters
• Large, complex plumbing systems

These are just a few of the many things to know about Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease. To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, infection control, industrial hygiene, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.

Clark Seif Clark https://www.csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. https://www.emsl.com
LA Testing https://www.latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental https://www.zimmetry.com
CTSI https://www.ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine https://www.healthyindoors.com