Legionnaires

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

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