Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaire’s disease is usually caused by inhaling bacteria now called Legionella which flourishes in a damp moist environment such as large air conditioning systems, showers and whirlpool spas etc.

At the present time it is not known why only a few people become affected by this disease. It is believed that people who are more vulnerable are those who have a weakened immune system due to age, illness or smokers.

This disease usually develops between two to fourteen days after exposure to the Legionella bacterium. The symptoms are very similar to the flu and include headaches, muscle pain, chills, high fevers, a cough, shortness of breath chest pains fatigue and loss of appetite due to gastrointestinal symptoms. Legionnaires disease is usually treated with antibiotics; the earlier the treatment the less chances of serious complications or even death.