Legionnaires Disease
Lung InfectionLegionnaires Disease is commonly called Legionella Pneumonia. Pontiac Fever, another lung infection, is also caused by Legionella but this fever is not as serious. Most people who contract Pontiac Fever do not need to be hospitalized and normally recover within 5 - 7 days. This particular bacteria got its name in 1976 when the Philadelphia convention of the American Legion had an outbreak of this kind of pneumonia (lung infection). Every year between 8,000 - 20,000 people are sent to the hospital in the U.S. Many infections are not reported or diagnosed so this number might be higher or lower. Most outbreaks and infections of Legionella Pneumonia are in the Summer and early Fall.
Symptoms will normally develop within 2 - 10 days after contact with the bacteria and usually include headache, loss of energy and appetite, nausea, chest pains, muscle aches, and high fever. Legionella Pneumonia can cause death if not properly treated. People who are most at risk:
How To Contract Legionnaire's DiseaseLegionella Pneumonia is a pulmonary infection and is contracted by inhaling water vapor or droplets containing the legionella bacteria. Some doctors believe this bacteria is present in some drinking water, public swimming pools, and hot tubs. Lack of good hygiene, sanitizing, and pool chlorine can contribute to transmission and outbreak. It may also be transmitted be contaminated water and cuts on the skin.
Obviously you'll want to ask your doctor about the right kind of treatment, but antibiotics have been known to be effective.
Legionella Pneumonia is an environmental disease because it is transmitted from an environment (water) to a person. Keeping this bacteria out of the water is the main step in preventing Legionnaires Disease. Commercial and residential plumbing can be properly maintained and the right amount of sanitizer or swimming pool chlorine can be used to kill the bacteria. You must prevent and disinfect all areas in question, especially for public swimming pools. Legionnaires Disease can be serious and life-threatening but most people should recover with an early visit to the doctor and the right antibiotic treatment. This page is not to be taken as medical advice. I have heard about Legionella Pneumonia and Pontiac Fever and wanted to give you some information that I have picked up in the last 10 years of taking care of swimming pools. Go To: Home From Legionnaires Disease
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