Legionella is a bacteria that is responsible for the disease known as Legionnaires disease, found in water droplets that have been dispensed in the air. In most cases, legionella leads to pneumonia and has been isolated in 40% of hospital pneumonia cultures. The symptoms and treatments vary in most cases and depend on the severity of the infection.
Legionella infection is known to have two variations. The first is severe and may or may not lead to pneumonia. This form of the disease usually occurs from two to 10 days after exposure but is known to occur up to 16 days later. The symptoms of this disease are cough, muscle aches, shortness of breath and fever that progresses into pneumonia.These symptoms can be long lasting and mimic the flu. Once infected and cultures of the bacteria can be made, the treatment is antibiotic treat with azithromycin. A chest x-ray can be used to show the infiltrates and pneumonia in the lungs.
The second form of legionella infection is an illness known as Pontiac Fever. Pontiac Fever is the milder form of legionella infection and in most cases does not lead to pneumonia. This can occur from two hours to 2 days after exposure. The symptoms are similar to the first form of legionnaires disease, however, it resolves spontaneously. In a majority of Pontiac Fever cases, there aren’t any symptoms that develop. Lastly, Pontiac Fever does not require a treatment or hospitalization. Here is a news clip about a legionnaires disease outbreak within the last five years.