What Is Legionnaires' Disease?

History of Legionnaires' Disease

Legionnaires' disease is extremely severe form of pneumonia. It is also often simply called "Legionnaire's."

History and causes of Legionnaires' disease This disease got it's name when an outbreak struck an American Legion Convention in Philadelphia in July, 1976. The cause of the outbreak, which resulted in the mysterious and sudden death of 34 Legionnaires, was unknown at the time. More than 200 suffered symptoms. The causative bacterium was identified about six months later as a previously unknown type that was named Legionella bacterium.

As many as 18,000 people get legionellosis in the United States annually. Some who have it show only mild symptoms or no illness at all. Outbreaks like the one that received widespread media attention in 1976 are rare, because the disease is difficult to transmit from one person to another.

Most people get Legionnaires' by breathing airborne bacteria. People who smoke appear to be more susceptible than other groups, as are the elderly and those with damaged immune systems.

Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal if it is not treated. Antibiotics can easily cure the disease, but catching it in the early stages is the key to a quick and happy outcome.

Legionnaires' disease symptoms Symptoms develop as late as 14 days after the Legionella bacterium enters the system, and may include

a cough, which may be dry or may produce sputum.
chills,
diarrhea
fever,
headache,
loss of appetite,
loss of coordination
mental confusion
muscle aches,
tiredness,
vomiting.

Kidney and liver functions may also be affected, and chest X-rays usually reveal pneumonia with bi-basal consolidation.

Since the symptoms of Legionnaires are similar to other pneumonia symptoms, specific tests may be needed.

Pontiac fever Legionella bacterium can also cause a type of fever called Pontiac Fever. This variety is characterized by a milder type of fever that resembles the common flu.

Pontiac fever often clears up on its own without serious medical treatment.

Treatment of Legionnaires' disease Knowing that you may have Legionnaires disease is difficult because the symptoms are similar to so many other respiratory conditions. But it's important to go to a doctor if you're the least bit suspicious. Treatment can be more difficult if you don't get medical attention in the early stages. But despite the horrendous death toll suffered by Legionnaires in 1976, we now know it is completely treatable.

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