What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease, also known as legionellosis is a severe form of pneumonia, or lung infection.
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water. People become infected with Legionella by breathing in contaminated droplets of water in the air. Outbreaks have been linked to water systems in hospital buildings and to whirlpool spas in hotels and cruise ships.
Many people who are exposed to Legionella don’t become sick. When illness does occur, however, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, life-threatening illness that requires prompt treatment.
Legionella may also cause a milder condition referred to as Pontiac fever. Pontiac fever doesn’t cause pneumonia and isn’t life-threatening. It has symptoms similar to those of a mild flu, and it usually goes away on its own. Pontiac fever and Legionnaire’s disease are sometimes collectively called Legionellosis.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease will usually start causing symptoms within 2 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. This period is called the incubation period. The symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are similar to those of other types of pneumonia.
The most common symptoms include:
- a fever above 104°F
- chills
- a cough, with or without mucus or blood
Other symptoms may include:
- shortness of breath
- headaches
- muscle aches
- a loss of appetite
- chest pain
- fatigue
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- confusion
- seizures
Causes of Legionnaires’ Disease
Bacteria called Legionella causes Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria invade the lungs and cause an infection known as pneumonia.
Legionella usually live in warm freshwater. Common locations include:
- hot tubs
- whirlpool spas
- swimming pools
- cooling systems or air-conditioning units for large buildings, such as hospitals
- public showers
- humidifiers
- fountains
- natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and creeks
The bacteria can survive outdoors, but they’re known to multiply rapidly in indoor water systems. People get infected by inhaling water droplets or mist in the air that’s contaminated with the bacteria. The disease can’t be spread directly from person to person.
Risk factor for Legionnaires’ Disease
Not everyone who breathes in contaminated air droplets will get sick. However, you’re at a higher risk for developing Legionnaires’ disease if you:
- are over age 50
- have a weakened immune system due to another illness
- have a chronic lung disease
- have cancer
- smoke cigarettes
Complications of Legionnaires’ Disease
When Legionnaires’ disease goes untreated, life-threatening complications can develop. These include:
- respiratory failure from pneumonia
- kidney failure, which develops when the kidneys aren’t working correctly
- septic shock, which is when a serious infection leads to organ failure and very low blood pressure
These complications can progress rapidly, especially in people who already have weakened immune systems.
Legionnaires’ Disease Diagnosis
Your doctor can diagnose Legionnaires’ disease by testing your blood or urine for the presence of Legionella
Your doctor might also perform a chest X-ray. While the X-ray can’t be used to confirm Legionnaires’ disease, it can help determine the severity of your lung infection.
Treatment of Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is always treated with antibiotics. Treatment is usually started as soon as the disease is suspected, without waiting for confirmation. Prompt treatment significantly lowers the risk of complications.
Many people completely recover with treatment, but most will need care in the hospital. Elderly people and those with other health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of Legionnaires’ disease. While in the hospital, they may receive oxygen or other breathing support. They may also be given fluids and electrolytes through a vein in their arm (IV) to treat dehydration.
What’s the outlook after treatment?
The outlook is typically good for healthy people who receive prompt treatment. However, the length of recovery time will depend on the severity of the disease and how quickly treatment is received. Faster treatment means better results.
Legionnaires’ disease is usually more serious in elderly people who have weakened immune systems or other medical conditions. If you’re elderly, you have a higher risk of developing complications and you may need to stay in the hospital for an extended period.
Prevention of Legionnaires’ Disease
There’s no vaccine available for Legionnaires’ disease. However, it’s possible to prevent the disease by properly disinfecting and cleaning potential sources of the Legionella bacteria. Preventive measures include:
- disinfecting and cleaning cooling towers
- regularly draining and cleaning pools and hot tubs
- using chemical treatments, such as chlorine, in pools and spas
- keeping hot water systems above 140°F and cold water systems below 68°F
Avoiding smoking can also significantly lower your risk of infection. Smokers are much more likely to develop Legionnaires’ disease if they’re exposed to Legionella bacteria.