These are facts about legionnaires’ disease;
- Cases of Legionnaires’ disease continue to increase with researchers pointing to aging plumbing infrastructure, an aging population and even climate change as factors.
- This disease is infectious, but is not contagious from person to person.
- Currently, it is estimated that 1 in 10 infected people will die from this disease.
- The Legionella bacteria responsible for this disease thrive in warm water found in hot tubs, plumbing systems, air conditioning systems and even automobile windshield washer fluids.
- The disease spreads through the inhalation (or, rarely, the aspiration) of infected water.
- Cruise ships, hotels and resorts, hospitals and long-term care facilities, water features and water fountains all have the potential to harbor the Legionella bacteria.
- This disease is curable; however, it does require antibiotics and, often, a hospital stay.
- Fatigue, neurological function and neuromuscular symptoms may persist for months or even years after treatment.
