What is Legionnaires’ disease?
- Legionnaires’ disease is caused by exposure to a bacterium that is found in water and soil. It ranges in severity from a mild influenza-like illness to a serious and sometimes fatal form of pneumonia.
- Symptoms include fever, headache, lethargy, muscle pain, diarrhoea and sometimes coughing up blood.
- The disease can be treated with antibiotics.
Who is most at risk?
- Most people exposed to the legionella bacterium do not get sick and the disease does not spread directly between humans.
- Most people who do get sick are aged over 50 years. People with weak immune systems, chronic illnesses, smokers and those with a history of heavy drinking are at highest risk.
- Outbreaks are often linked to poorly maintained air conditioning and water systems, humidifiers and whirlpool spas.
Where does the disease occur?
- Legionnaires’ disease occurs worldwide but the rate of occurrence is unknown as many countries lack good surveillance systems to diagnose and detect the disease.
- In Australia, Europe and the United States of America, there are about 10-15 cases detected per million population.
How can it be prevented?
- The public health threat of Legionnaires’ disease can be reduced by regular maintenance, cleaning and disinfection of water and air conditioning systems to minimize the growth of the legionella bacterium.
- There is no vaccine currently available for Legionnaire’s disease.
Source: WHO