Legionellosis
Reportable to local health department

Legionella is a bacterium found naturally in freshwater environments that causes Legionellosis, a respiratory infection typically contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets.

Symptoms
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease typically begin with a high fever, chills, and a persistent cough, with muscle aches and headaches, and then pneumonia is seen. As the pneumonia progresses, patients frequently experience shortness of breath, chest pain, and stomach issues like nausea or diarrhea.

Spread
Legionellosis primarily spreads when people breathe in contaminated water droplets from water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and showerheads. This happens when a biofilm, a buildup of bacteria, occurs within these sources. The legionella bacteria in the water are then aerosolized and inhaled. Spread between people does not occur. Rarely, people may contract it by accidentally choking on or breathing in contaminated water while drinking.

Contagious Period
Legionellosis is not contagious person to person.

Exclusion

No exclusion necessary.

Causes

Legionella

Incubation

Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease typically appear between 2 and 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, though in some cases, the incubation period can extend up to 14 days.

Prevention/Control

Effective prevention and control of Legionella rely on a comprehensive water management program that maintains water temperatures outside the growth range (<68°F or > 140°F) and ensures adequate levels of disinfectant to stop the buildup of biofilm.