Recent reports of Legionnaires’ disease have raised concern in parts of New York City. While outbreaks can sound alarming, the most important thing for patients to know is that Legionnaires’ disease is treatable, and most people are not at high risk.
Still, certain symptoms should be taken seriously, especially in older adults or people with underlying health conditions.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. These bacteria can grow in certain water systems, especially when water is not properly maintained.
People can become infected when they breathe in small water droplets containing Legionella. This can happen from sources such as cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, plumbing systems, or large building water systems.
Legionnaires’ disease is generally not spread from person to person.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear within several days after exposure, but timing can vary.
Common symptoms may include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Fatigue
- Confusion, especially in older adults
Because Legionnaires’ disease can look like other forms of pneumonia, it is important to tell your healthcare provider if you live, work, or recently spent time in an area with a known outbreak.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not develop severe illness. However, some people are more likely to become seriously sick.
Higher-risk groups include:
- Adults age 50 and older
- Current or former smokers
- People with chronic lung disease
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with cancer
- People with diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease
- People taking medications that suppress the immune system
Patients in these groups should be especially careful about respiratory symptoms during an active community investigation.
When to Call a Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop pneumonia-like symptoms, especially if you are in a higher-risk group or may have been in an affected area.
Call promptly if you have:
- Fever and cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Worsening fatigue
- Confusion
- Symptoms that are not improving
Early evaluation matters because Legionnaires’ disease is treated with antibiotics. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance of avoiding complications.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Severe trouble breathing
- Blue lips or face
- Chest pain that is severe or worsening
- Confusion or difficulty staying awake
- Very high fever
- Signs of severe dehydration or weakness
These symptoms may indicate a serious infection or another medical emergency.
What Patients Can Do
During a local outbreak investigation:
- Follow updates from local health officials
- Pay attention to respiratory symptoms
- Tell your doctor about possible exposure
- Do not assume symptoms are “just a cold” if they are worsening
- Seek care sooner if you are older or have chronic health conditions
For most people, routine activities such as drinking tap water are not the typical concern. Legionnaires’ disease is usually linked to inhaling contaminated water droplets, not drinking water.
Bottom Line
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious but treatable form of pneumonia. Most people are at low risk, but older adults and people with certain medical conditions should be alert to symptoms.
If you develop fever, cough, shortness of breath, or pneumonia-like symptoms after spending time in an area with a known investigation, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
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