Legionnaires' Disease



Legionnaires' Disease in South Wales

What is Legionnaires' disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a bacterial infection that may cause pneumonia. Usually, only single cases occur, but outbreaks do happen occasionally.

Cases were first reported in 1947, but the first outbreak was in Philadelphia in 1976, among people at a state convention of the American Legion. The disease was named after this group.

Around 300 - 350 cases are reported each year in England and Wales. Around half of these are associated with travel abroad. On average there are around 13 cases a year in Wales.

How do you catch Legionnaires’ disease?

The risk of developing Legionnaires disease arises when people breathe in very small droplets of water from a contaminated water source. Usually the droplets need to be in a fine mist or spray. We know that only a small percentage of people who are exposed to the bacteria develop any symptoms.

The bacteria are widely distributed in the environment. They can live in all types of water including both natural sources such as rivers and streams, and artificial water sources such as water towers associated with cooling systems in industrial premises.

They only become a risk to health when temperatures allow the bacteria to grow rapidly. The bacteria grow best at temperatures between 25-45oC. The highest risk occurs in water systems which create fine mists of water stored at these temperatures and which are not properly designed, installed and/or maintained.

Can I catch it from another person?

No. Person to person spread does not occur.

What are the symptoms, how long do they take to appear and how is it treated?

Typically, the early symptoms include 'flu-like' illness with muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, dry cough and fever. Diarrhoea may occur, along with confusion. Later, pneumonia may develop.

Once symptoms have occurred, a rapid diagnosis can be made by testing a special urine sample from the patient.

The incubation period can be between 2 and 10 days, but is usually five to six days. Some people may develop symptoms three weeks after exposure t. the source of infection

Antibiotics are used to treat the disease.

Death occurs in 10-15 per cent of healthy individuals and more often in some groups.

Who catches Legionnaires' disease?

People of all ages can be affected but it mainly affects those over 50 years old. Men are also more likely to be affected than women.

How is Legionnaires Disease prevented?

The UK has strict regulations to ensure that water systems used for air cooling or for use in commercial, tourist and other buildings or settings are maintained to standards that minimise risk and do not harbour the bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease. 

I live in or visit an area where there is an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease- Should I take any special precautions?

No, we are not advising you to change what you normally do. Anyone who is concerned about their health should contact their GP or NHS Direct Wales.

Adapted from:- Accessed November 6 2007

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