Legionnaires Disease Symptoms

If you're ill and you've traveled recently, you might be suffering from a case of Legionnaires' disease. Outbreaks of this lung disease, which are typically seen in summer and early fall, can occur following cruises or hotel stays. The name originates from an outbreak suffered by American Legion members who attended a Philadelphia convention in 1976, although the disease has been around longer.
  1. Significance

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Legionnaires' disease hospitalizes between 8,000 and 18,000 people every year. The CDC estimates that the number of cases could be even higher since many are not reported or diagnosed. Possible complications include acute kidney failure, respiratory failure and septic shock. Death occurs in five percent to thirty percent of Legionnaires' disease cases. People over 65 years old, smokers, people with chronic lung disease and those with weakened immune systems from other diseases or medication face a higher risk of getting sick.

    Causes

    • Several types of legionella bacteria, such as Legionella pneumophila, cause Legionnaires' disease. Low levels of these bacteria naturally occur in warm, moist environments such as lakes and rivers and are usually harmless. Indoor environments, including whirlpool spas and water systems, allow legionella bacteria to thrive and lead to disease outbreaks. The bacteria spread rapidly in large buildings with complex water systems, such as hospitals. Inhaling infected water droplets allows bacteria to enter your body. You can also catch the disease when liquid enters your lungs if you choke while drinking or when you're exposed to contaminated soil when gardening. The bacteria take over the immune system cells that should fight them off and eventually destroy these cells, resulting in more severe symptoms and a lengthier illness.

    Symptoms

    • Initial symptoms of Legionnaires' disease usually occur between two to fourteen days after infection and include muscle pain, headache, a fever of around 104 degrees Fahrenheit and chills. Symptoms that show up by the third day include chest pain, appetite loss, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, confusion, fatigue, shortness of breath and a cough that can be bloody or contain mucus. The disease can sometimes cause infections in parts of the body such as the heart or in wounds. A mild form of this disease, known as Pontiac fever, does not affect the lungs. Symptoms include chills, fever, muscle aches and headache. Consult your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms of Legionnaires' disease. The condition can be difficult to diagnose due to similarities with pneumonia. Your doctor can perform a urine test, blood test, chest x-ray, tissue sample test, CT brain scan or spinal tap to determine whether legionella bacteria are present in your body.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for Legionnaires' disease involves using antibiotics to rid your body of legionella bacteria. The chances of experiencing complications can usually be reduced with prompt treatment. Most people with the disease who are otherwise healthy fully recover. Pontiac fever generally lasts between two to five days and does not require any treatment.

    Prevention

    • Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting indoor water sources can prevent outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease. If you're a smoker, quitting smoking can significantly reduce your chances of getting sick after exposure to legionella bacteria. Legionnaires' disease does not spread from person to person, so avoiding contact with infected people will not reduce your risk of catching the disease if you've been exposed to legionella bacteria.

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