Smileband health issues

Legionellosis is a respiratory disease caused by Legionella bacteria. If the bacteria cause pneumonia, the condition is called Legionnaires' disease. If the bacteria cause a less serious infection that presents like a mild case of flu, the condition is called Pontiac fever.

Both Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever are initially characterized by:

• anorexia
• malaise
• myalgia
• headache

Within a day, there is usually a rapidly rising fever and chills. Fevers commonly reach 39˚C-40.5˚C (102˚F-105˚F). A nonproductive cough, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are common symptoms. In Legionnaires’ disease, a chest x-ray may show patchy or focal areas of consolidation that may progress to bilateral involvement and ultimately to respiratory failure.

Over the last 5 years, Arizona has reported on average 60 cases of legionellosis a year.

 

Arizona 5 year median: 69 cases

 

Transmission

Legionella is transmitted via aerosol inhalation from contaminated water sources or through aspiration. It is not transmissible person-to-person.                                                                                                      Lab Tests & Specimen Info

Test*	Specimen
Culture	Lung Biopsy,  Lung Exudate,  Pleural Fluid,  Transtracheal Aspirate, Sputum, Bronchial Washing
Immunoassay EIA  (this test only  identifies serotype 1)	Urine
DFA	Lung Biopsy,  Lung Exudate, Pleural Fluid, Transtracheal Aspirate, Sputum,  Bronchial Washing
PCR	Bronchial Lavage,  Throat Swab,  NP Swab
IgG/IgM  Serology	Serum

  Isolation Precautions

Standard Precautions are recommended.

If case is healthcare-associated, surveillance efforts for additional cases should be enhanced by the infection control official at the facility.

Prevention for Patients
Prevention includes:

• Maintaining water systems where the bacteria can grow including drinking water systems, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and cooling towers ( or air-conditioning units for large buildings).