DISEASE, LEGIONAIRE'S

A disease (first identified at the 1976 American Legion convention) due to bacteria (Legionella) found in plumbing, shower heads and water-storage tanks. Outbreaks of Legionella pneumonia have been attributed to evaporative condensors and cooling towers. Legionaire's disease causes a cough, often non-productive, with fevers and a general sense of feeling unwell. Blood testing for antibodies to the bacteria and sputum analysis can aid in the diagnosis of Legionaire's disease.