Legionnaires Disease is an infectious disease caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Legionella. More than 90 percent of legionellosis cases are caused by Legionella pneumophila, a ubiquitous aquatic organism that thrives in warm environments (25°C to 45°C, with an optimum around 35°C). Legionellosis takes two distinct forms:
- Legionnaires' disease is the more severe form of the infection and produces pneumonia.
- Pontiac fever is caused by the same bacterium, but produces a milder respiratory illness without pneumonia which resembles acute influenza.
Symptoms:
- Cough, which may bring up mucus and sometimes blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Confusion or other mental changes
