Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Legionnaires’ disease is a respiratory infection caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. These bacteria exist naturally in water and moist soil, but can also be found in other places where there is warm water such as hot water tanks, cooling towers, air-conditioning systems of large buildings, whirlpools, and decorative fountains. A person can become sick by breathing in mist from water contaminated with Legionella but the disease cannot be passed from person to person. Legionnaires’ disease occurs more often in the summer and early fall.

Legionnaires’ disease causes a form of pneumonia. Symptoms include a high fever, chills, and a cough. Some people may also suffer from muscle aches and headaches. Because these symptoms are similar to those of other forms of pneumonia, a chest x-ray and laboratory testing are needed to confirm Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ disease can be very serious and can cause death, but in most patients it can be treated successfully with antibiotics. Healthy people with milder forms of the illness usually recover on their own.

There are certain factors that make a person more likely to become sick from Legionella bacteria. People at higher risk include people aged 65 or older, smokers, people with chronic lung disease, or those who have weakened immune systems.

The single best way to reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease is by avoiding smoking. Additional prevention measures include regular maintenance of plumbing and air-conditioning systems of large buildings, and regular cleaning and disinfection of whirlpools, and indoor and outdoor fountains.

For more information about environmental health please call (810) 257-3612 or visit the GCHD website at www.gchd.us.