Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaires' disease (pronounced lee-juh-NAIRZ) is a severe form of pneumonia — lung inflammation usually caused by infection. It's caused by a bacterium known as Legionella pneumophila.

Etymology

The disease is named after the outbreak where it was first identified, the 1976 American Legion convention in Philadelphia. The bacterium causing the disease, Legionella pneumophila, was subsequently named after the American Legion.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are similar to other types of pneumonia and it often looks the same on a chest x-ray. Symptoms include a high fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, and headaches. These symptoms usually begin 2 to 10 days after being exposed to the bacteria, but it can take longer so people should watch for symptoms for about 2 weeks after exposure.

Causes

Legionnaires' disease is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. The bacteria are found most often in warm water environments. They have been found in large plumbing systems, hot water tanks, cooling towers of air conditioning systems, and hot tubs.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease requires tests typically done in a hospital, such as a chest X-ray or tests on a sample of urine or phlegm. The disease can be difficult to diagnose at first because its symptoms are similar to those of other types of pneumonia.

Treatment

Treatment usually involves hospitalization, and most people recover with antibiotic treatment. The sooner treatment is started, the less likely the chance of severe complications or death.

Prevention

Prevention of Legionnaires' disease involves regular inspection, cleaning, and disinfection of water systems likely to harbor the bacteria.

Related Terms

• Pneumonia
• Legionella pneumophila
• American Legion
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Treatment

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Legionnaires' disease
• Wikipedia's article - Legionnaires' disease

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