Legionella

Legionella are bacteria that can trigger a lung infection (Legionnaires’ disease) or a mild flu-like illness (Pontiac fever).

Medical professionals

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

Legionella are bacteria that can trigger a lung infection (Legionnaires’ disease) or a mild flu-like illness (Pontiac fever). Coughing and high fever are typical, while flu symptoms are more prominent for Pontiac fever. Good hygiene measures for water systems (e.g. air-conditioning units) can prevent an infection.

Symptoms

In most cases of infection there are no symptoms. Possible symptoms include:

Legionnaires’ disease

High fever
Headaches
Painful limbs
Sore throat
Coughing (kann blutig sein)
Vomiting
Watery diarrhoea
Chest pain
Possibly shortness of breath

Pontiac fever

Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, sore throat, runny nose)
High fever
Sore muscles
Headaches
Diarrhoea

Complications

Disorientation
Disturbance of liver, heart and kidney function
Circulatory collapse (owing to blood poisoning)
Rarely, multiple organ failure

Causes and treatment

Causes

Legionella bacteria
- Transmitted by water droplets or steam (aerosol)
  - Jacuzzis
  - Water pipes
  - Air-conditioning units
  - Humidifiers
  - Thermal spas

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Urine test (search for bacteria)
Sputum test (for bacteria)
X-ray of chest cavity
CT scan (computed tomography)

Possible therapies

Antibiotics (for lung infection)
Pontiac fever usually heals by itself within a week

What can I do myself?

Heat boilers to more than 60° once a day (kills bacteria)
Constantly keep temperature of cold-water systems below 20°
Flush taps and shower heads with hot and cold water after a longer absence
o Make sure there is no steam