Legionnaires' Disease - Information About the Condition

What is Legionnaires' disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia. It was named after an outbreak of severe pneumonia which affected a meeting of the American Legion in 1976. Legionnaires' disease is an uncommon but serious disease.

The illness occurs more frequently in men than women. It usually affects middle-aged or elderly people and it more commonly affects smokers or people with other chest problems. Legionnaires' disease is uncommon in younger people and is very uncommon under the age of 20. About half the cases of Legionnaires' disease are caught abroad. The other half are the result of infections acquired in the UK. How do people get it?

Legionella Bacteria

The germ which causes Legionnaires' disease is a bacterium called Legionella pneumophila. People catch Legionnaires' disease by inhaling small droplets of water suspended in the air which contain the Legionella bacterium. However, most people who are exposed to Legionella do not become ill.

Legionnaires' disease does not spread from person to person.

Where does it come from?

The bacterium which causes Legionnaires' disease is widespread in nature. It mainly lives in.........more >>

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Additional information & technical support

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