Lifestyle factors: Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk, and one study has suggested that using cannabis may increase susceptibility. The leading cause of Legionnaires’ disease is exposure to the bacterium Legionella pneumophila through large-scale water systems. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are often associated with pneumonia, but it’s important to understand the difference between the two. These are more indicative of pneumonia. However, in the first 4 months of 2016, two infants were treated for Legionnaire’s disease, and both were born in a home birthing tub. Many cases are preventable, if water systems, including air conditioning, are correctly maintained. Sometimes, symptoms may show up 2 weeks after … If the lungs are badly affected, the patient will be given oxygen. Tests that can help to detect the disease include: A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, can reveal whether the disease has affected the brain. As the condition progresses, other symptoms may appear. However, at least 20 outbreaks occur each year. The media enables the bacteria to grow at a more rapid rate, so doctors can observe and identify. During the following week, over 130 people, mostly male, were admitted to the hospital, and 25 of them died. In January 1977, the cause was identified as a previously unknown bacterium, which was then named Legionella. These tests are done occasionally but not commonly. In many cases, Legionnaires’ can be successfully treated, but even healthy people usually require a bout of hospitalization. The cough may be dry at first, but as the infection progresses, there will be mucus and maybe blood. Legionnaire’s disease was first noted in 1976, and it affects around 5,000 people each year in the U.S. Most cases are due to poor water management. Later symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease There is high fever with temperature of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or above with chills and flu like features, severe muscle pain, tremendous fatigue, confusion etc. Most patients who are admitted to the hospital develop a high fever, often greater than 39.5°C (103°F). Occasionally, they may get into artificial water supply systems, for example, through the evaporative condensers that are associated with air conditioning and industrial cooling. The illness takes two distinct forms: Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. It is a pneumonia-like illness that affects the lungs and can be fatal. Around 1 in 3 infected patients will experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you think you or a loved one has come into contact with Legionella bacteria from an air conditioning unit, heating system, or another human-made water system, seek medical attention immediately. Other common symptoms include headaches, muscle aches, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Because headaches are so common, though, it is quite likely that it will be brushed aside, at least until more symptoms develop. A chest X-ray will also likely be performed. Some patients may experience only muscle aches and a mild headache to start with, and the other signs start to appear 1 to 2 days later. Some patients may receive intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. An infected person cannot generally pass the infection to another person, although it is possible in rare cases. The Legionella bacteria exist in rivers, lakes and other places with fresh water, but numbers are usually low because the water temperature in such places is too low for the bacteria to multiply rapidly. The earliest symptoms include chills, headache, body weakness, fatigue, and a fever of 103 degrees or higher, and can get progressively worse over the first few days. Legionnaires’ disease is a life-threatening condition that can be contracted from a number of sources. Legionnaires’ disease may be hard to diagnose at first, because its signs and symptoms may be very similar to other forms of pneumonia. a urine test to detect antigens, the special proteins produced by the immune system to fight the, imaging scans to check the state of the kidneys and lungs. The cough may be sufficiently severe … Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Legionnaires’ disease symptoms look a lot like other pneumonia symptoms. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Legionnaires’ disease is more likely in places with complex water supply systems, such as hospitals, hotels, and buildings that cater for large numbers of people. In artificial water systems, however, water temperatures may be higher. A cough can be the first sign of a lung infection. Legionnaires' disease is a severe, often lethal, form of pneumonia. A study of outbreak survivors showed persistence of fatigue (75%), neurologic symptoms (66%) and neuromuscular symptoms (63%) in months after an outbreak. Muscle aches, headaches, fever, and feeling tired are all common. Other types of artificial water systems that can potentially become contaminated include fountains, baths, showers, water taps, gardening sprinklers, spas, and humidifiers. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, given by mouth or intravenously for between 10 and 14 days. © 2004-2020 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Legionnaires’ disease symptoms: What should you expect? Anju Goel, MD, MPH, is a board-certified physician who specializes in public health, communicable disease, diabetes, and health policy. Age: It is more likely to affect people over 50 years old. Legionella bacteria commonly exist in water. A report from the CDC suggests that newborns delivered in a birthing tub, or water birth, may be at risk of Legionnaire’s disease. If you have Legionnaires’ disease, you may experience: Coughing; Dyspnea, or shortness of breath; Chills; Fever or muscle aches; Headache; Nausea or diarrhea; Confusion; Most people see symptoms start a few days up to a week after being exposed to the Legionella bacteria. She currently works at Anthem Health as a content lead. Existing health conditions: People with respiratory problems, including smokers, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and those with lung cancer, are at higher risk. Temperatures between 68 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit, or from 20 to 45 degrees Celsius, can be ideal for the bacteria to multiply rapidly and spread. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that most cases that occur could be prevented through better water management. If you (or a loved one) start to show signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ and have been in a public swimming pool or hot tub, stayed in a hotel or cruise ship, or live in a large apartment building, seek medical care immediately. The incubation period of Legionnaires' disease is from two to ten days; this is the time it takes before symptoms of the illness appear after being exposed to the bacteria. In 2015, around 6,000 people received a diagnosis of Legionnaire’s disease, also known as Pontiac disease, in the United States (U.S.). It’s most commonly believed that a person can contract Legionnaires’ disease when they inhale water droplets containing the Legionella bacteria, but there are two other methods of transmission, too: Not every single person who encounters Legionella will develop Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires' disease is the more severe form and can be fatal. Legionellosis (Legionnaires' Disease and Pontiac Fever). The water must be kept below 20 degrees Celsius or 68 degrees Fahrenheit, or above 60 degrees Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease generally develop between two and 10 days after exposure to Legionella bacteria. The incubation period of Legionnaires' disease is from two to ten days; this is the time it takes before symptoms of the illness appear after being exposed to the bacteria. For several days, the patient may feel tired and weak. Christina Donnelly is a freelance writer and editor who has extensively covered health and science content. Many who develop Legionnaires’ disease require treatment in the intensive care unit and can suffer from long-term effects of the condition, like chronic fatigue and neuromuscular issues. A headache is a common initial symptom of Legionnaires’ disease. The earliest symptoms include chills, headache, body weakness, fatigue, and a fever of 103 degrees or higher, and can get progressively worse over the first few days. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hotels, hospitals, and large buildings can provide the ideal environment, if they have an air-conditioning system that uses water for cooling. Impurities should not be allowed to build up in the water. They are found in rivers and lakes, and some other water sources, generally in low numbers. Gastrointestinal stomach symptoms are common with diarrhea being the most distinctive symptom. Although this disease is quite rare, there was a 43% increase in confirmed Legionella cases between 2015 and 2018 in England … Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include fever, chills, and a cough. Each year, an estimated 10,000 to 18,000 people are infected with the Legionella bacteria in the United States. Here are some key points about Legionnaire’s disease. Certain risk factors and lifestyle choices can make you significantly more susceptible to contracting the disease after exposure to Legionella. This can infect major parts of the water system. Early diagnosis and treatment of Legionnaires’ disease can help shorten the recovery time and prevent serious, long-term complications down the road. Last medically reviewed on July 11, 2017. Legionnaires’ disease may be hard to diagnose at first, because its signs and symptoms may be very similar to other forms of pneumonia. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Legionnaires’ disease is also known as legionellosis. It is not uncommon for patients with Legionnaires' disease to be admitted to the intensive care unit. A weakened immune system: Patients with diabetes, kidney disease, leukemia and other cancers, and who are undergoing chemotherapy are at greater risk, as their immune system is compromised. For several days, the patient may feel tired and weak. An ideal environment also provides the right food. Some risk factors can make a person more susceptible to Legionnaire’s disease. From 2011 to 2015, there was only one case of an infant contracting the disease before the age of 1 month. It most commonly occurs in structures with complex water systems, like hotels, hospitals, and cruise ships, and spreads through hot tubs, air conditioning units, hot water tanks, plumbing systems, and fountains within these structures. It’s important to note that early detection and diagnosis can increase the success rate of Legionnaires’ treatment, shorten the recovery period, and help prevent serious, long-term complications. Approximately one in 10 patients with Legionnaires’ will die from the condition. Legionnaires’ disease is an extremely serious, potentially life-threatening type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. People catch Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling small droplets of tainted water, but not from drinking it. The cough may be sufficiently severe to cause sputum production (coughed up mucous). By using Verywell Health, you accept our, Other Causes and Risk Factors of Pneumonia, Is It Food Poisoning? Kidney failure is possible, due to an accumulation of fluids and waste in the blood. Older patients and those with a weak immune system or another chronic condition, such as diabetes, may be hospitalized. Why Medical Doctors Use Cultures for Infectious Disease Diagnosis, Legionellosis (Legionnaires' Disease and Pontiac Fever), A severe cough that may produce mucus or blood; this may be the first sign of a lung infection, Gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea. When more severe symptoms appear, the fever will be high. Read on to learn more about Legionnaires’ and how you can protect you and your family from this potentially deadly disease.

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