(Legionnaires’ Pneumonia)
Definition
Definition
Legionnaires’ disease is a lung infection. It is a form of pneumonia. It got its name from an outbreak at the American Legionnaires Convention in 1976.
Causes
Causes
This disease is caused by specific bacteria. The bacteria are most often found in sources of standing water. It may be found in cooling towers, HVAC systems, and air conditioners.
Legionnaires’ disease can be contracted by breathing water vapor from a standing water source that contains the bacteria.
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The infection does not move from one person to another.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of Legionnaires’ disease include:
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever (often high)
- Chills and muscle aches
- Cough
- Headache
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Your doctor may need pictures of your chest. This can be done with a chest x-ray.
Your doctor may need tests of your bodily fluids. This can be done with:
- Urine tests
- Sputum tests
- Blood tests
Treatment
Treatment
This disease is usually treated with antibiotics.
Prevention
Prevention
Proper design, maintenance, and cleaning of high-risk areas can reduce the risk of spreading the disease. This includes any area with standing water.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Institutes of Health (NIH) http://www.niehs.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Communicable Disease Control Manitoba Health http://www.gov.mb.ca
References:
Community-acquired pneumonia in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated December 5, 2012. Accessed December 31, 2012.
Legionnaires’ disease. Occupational Safety and Health Administration website. Available at: https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/legionnaires/index.html. Accessed December 31, 2012.
Legionnaires’ disease. Patient UK website. Available at:
http://www.patient.co.uk/health/legionnaires-disease-leaflet
Accessed December 31, 2012.
Legionella infections. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated December 29, 2012. Accessed December 31, 2012.
Legionella (Legionnaires’ disease and pontiac fever). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/legionella/about/index.html
Updated June 1, 2011. Accessed December 31, 2012.
Top 10 things every clinician needs to know about Legionellosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/legionella/clinicians.html
Updated June 1, 2011. Accessed December 31, 2012.
Last Updated: 5/2/2014