Signs & Symptoms of Legionnaire's Disease

According to the Mayo Clinic, Legionnaire's disease is a bacterial infection that presents itself as a chronic form of pneumonia. It was first diagnosed in 1976 after the bacteria caused several people to fall ill at an American Legion convention.

Early Symptoms

• The Mayo Clinic indicates the incubation period for the legionnella bacteria is two weeks. Two weeks after exposure, the initial symptoms are a headache, a high fever of more than 102 degrees F accompanied by the chills and muscle fatigue.

Chest Pains

• Chest pains can occur that could be accompanied by shortness of breath. The shortness of breath can occur for no reason or immediately after light physical activity.

Nausea

• Nausea can begin to set in as the condition progresses. There can also be abdominal pains and cramps with vomiting as well.

Coordination

• If the condition is allowed to progress to an advanced stage, then there can be a lack of coordination that starts to set it. The person can find it difficult to maintain his balance especially while walking. They can also begin to move slowly and start to drag their feet.

Digestive Symptoms

• Digestive symptoms can start to occur such as chronic diarrhea and blood in the stool.

Coughing

• Chronic coughing can develop that could eventually cause the coughing up of blood.