Legionnaires' Disease | Legionella Pneumonia | MedlinePlus

P Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria. You usually get it by breathing in mist from water that contains the bacteria. The mist may come from hot tubs, showers, or air-conditioning units for large buildings. The bacteria don't spread from person to person.
P Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include high fever, chills, a cough, and sometimes muscle aches and headaches. Other types of pneumonia have similar symptoms. You will probably need a chest x-ray to diagnose the pneumonia. Lab tests can detect the specific bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease.
P Most people exposed to the bacteria do not become sick. You are more likely to get sick if you
- Are older than 50
- Smoke
- Have a chronic lung disease
- Have a weak immune system
P Legionnaires' disease is serious and can be life-threatening. However, most people recover with antibiotic treatment.
P Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

