Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which are widespread in our environment. They are found in natural water bodies such as rivers, lakes, creeks and hot springs. The bacteria are also found in spas, potting mix, warm water systems and artificial systems that use water for cooling, heating or industrial processes, such as cooling towers.
Catching the disease
A person may catch Legionnaires' disease by breathing in fine droplets of water that contain the bacteria. You cannot catch it from another person or by drinking contaminated water.
Some people are at greater risk of infection than others
Although this is a common bacteria in the environment, only a few people who come in contact with the bacteria become infected. Some people are at greater risk, such as:
- People over 50 years of age
- Smokers
- People with chronic illness
- People with medical conditions that impair their immune system.
The physical effects
The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease usually begin to appear within six days of being exposed to the bacteria. Early symptoms are like the flu and include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches and pains
- A dry cough and shortness of breath.
Sometimes other systems in the body are affected. This can cause:
- Diarrhoea
- Mental confusion
- Kidney failure.
Diagnosing and treating the disease
If you have the symptoms described above, see your doctor. There are many causes of these symptoms and Legionella is not very common. Special tests are needed to diagnose the disease. A urine test or blood samples taken three to six weeks apart will usually diagnose Legionnaires' disease.
The tests for Legionnaires’ disease are not screening tests - there is no value in being tested if you are not unwell.
The infection can be treated with antibiotics.
Preventing Legionnaires' disease
There is no vaccine to prevent the disease. However, the growth of the bacteria in spas and cooling towers can be controlled. You can also take care to avoid exposure to Legionella bacteria from other sources, such as potting mix.
Maintenance and treatment of artificial systems
A number of different regulations set out how to maintain and treat cooling towers, warm water systems and public spas to prevent the Legionella bacteria growing. For further information visit the website here.
Take care with potting mix
In recent years some cases of Legionnaires' disease have been linked to the use of potting mix. When using potting mix you should:
- Always wear gloves to avoid transferring the potting mix from your hand to your mouth.
- Wear a face mask.
- Open the bag carefully to avoid breathing in the dust.
- Wet the contents of the bag to prevent dust.
- Wash your hands after using potting mix.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Your local hospital
- Your local council
- Your nearest Department of Human Services office.
- Human Services, Infectious Diseases Unit, Tel. 1300 651 160
Things to remember
- Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia.
- Not everyone who comes into contact with the bacteria is affected.
- If you have the symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
- Early treatment can prevent the disease from becoming severe.
- Always take care when using potting mix.
You might also be interested in:
Infections - bacterial and viral.
Pneumonia.
Respiratory system.
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