Legionnaires’ Disease Summary Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria. You usually get it by breathing in mist from water that contains the bacteria. The mist may come from hot tubs, showers, or air-conditioning units for large buildings. The bacteria don’t spread from person to person. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include high fever, chills, a cough, and sometimes muscle aches and headaches. Other types of pneumonia have similar symptoms. You will probably need a chest x-ray to diagnose the pneumonia. Lab tests can detect the specific bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ disease. Most people exposed to the bacteria do not become sick. You are more likely to get sick if you Are older than 50 Smoke Have a chronic lung disease Have a weak immune system Legionnaires’ disease is serious and can be life-threatening. However, most people recover with antibiotic treatment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Resources Legionella (Legionnaires’ Disease and Pontiac Fever): Causes and Transmission Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Legionella (Legionnaires’ Disease and Pontiac Fever): Diagnosis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Legionella (Legionnaires’ Disease and Pontiac Fever): Fast Facts Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Legionella (Legionnaires’ Disease and Pontiac Fever): History and Disease Patterns Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Legionella (Legionnaires’ Disease and Pontiac Fever): Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Legionella (Legionnaires’ Disease and Pontiac Fever): Signs and Symptoms Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Legionella (Legionnaires’ Disease and Pontiac Fever): Treatment and Complications Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Legionellosis (Legionnaires’ Disease) Logical Images Legionnaires’ Disease Occupational Safety and Health Administration Legionnaires’ Disease Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Sputum direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) What Are the Lungs? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Patient Handouts Legionnaire disease Journal Articles Legionnaires’ Disease
