This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia — lung inflammation usually caused by infection.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Murdoch D, et al. Microbiology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of Legionella infection. Accessed Aug. Legionella Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jameson JL, et al. Legionella infections. The Legionella bacteria exist in rivers, lakes and other places with fresh water, but numbers are usually low because the water temperature in such places is too low for the bacteria to multiply rapidly.
Temperatures between 68 and degrees Fahrenheit, or from 20 to 45 degrees Celsius, can be ideal for the bacteria to multiply rapidly and spread. An ideal environment also provides the right food.
Impurities, such as algae, sludge, rust, and lime scale are types of food for this sort of bacteria. Hotels, hospitals, and large buildings can provide the ideal environment, if they have an air-conditioning system that uses water for cooling.
Other types of artificial water systems that can potentially become contaminated include fountains, baths, showers, water taps, gardening sprinklers, spas, and humidifiers. Existing health conditions : People with respiratory problems, including smokers, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD and those with lung cancer , are at higher risk. A weakened immune system : Patients with diabetes , kidney disease, leukemia and other cancers , and who are undergoing chemotherapy are at greater risk, as their immune system is compromised.
Lifestyle factors : Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk, and one study has suggested that using cannabis may increase susceptibility. From to , there was only one case of an infant contracting the disease before the age of 1 month. A physician will consider the signs and symptoms, and ask whether the patient has recently spent time in a large building, such as a hotel or hospital.
Treatment typically involves antibiotics , given by mouth or intravenously for between 10 and 14 days. Some patients may receive intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. Older patients and those with a weak immune system or another chronic condition, such as diabetes, may be hospitalized.
The water must be kept below 20 degrees Celsius or 68 degrees Fahrenheit, or above 60 degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit. Impurities should not be allowed to build up in the water. Owners and managers of commercial buildings are urged to follow guidelines regarding water safety. Related Pages. Related Links. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection you can get from inhaling droplets of water from things like air conditioning or hot tubs. It's uncommon but it can be very serious. You can get Legionnaires' disease if you breathe in tiny droplets of water containing bacteria that causes the infection.
It's usually caught in places like hotels, hospitals or offices where the bacteria have got into the water supply.
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