Legionnaires Disease
Overview
Causes
Legionnaires disease is caused by specific bacteria. The bacteria are most often found in sources of standing water. It may be found in cooling towers, HVAC systems, and air conditioners.
The bacteria enters the body through the lungs. It is inhaled in water vapor from a contaminated water source. The infection does not pass from person to person.
The Lungs |
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Treatments
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Legionnaires Pneumonia)
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences https://www.niehs.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Nova Scotia Health Authority http://www.nshealth.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
Legionella infections. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T904756/Legionella-infections . Updated October 4, 2019. Accessed October 4, 2019.
Legionella infections. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-negative-bacilli/legionella-infections. Updated May 2016. Accessed October 4, 2019.
Legionella (Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/about/index.html. Updated May 31, 2016. Accessed October 4, 2019.