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07/31/26 Public Health Education Topic: Legionella

Per CDC

Key points

  • Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.

  • Certain people are at increased risk for this infection.

  • Legionnaires' disease is treatable with antibiotics.

  • People can get Legionnaires' disease by breathing in mist containing Legionella bacteria. In general, it isn't spread person to person.

  • Know if you’re at risk of Legionnaires’ disease and talk to your healthcare provider if you're concerned.


Types

Legionella most commonly causes one of two diseases:

  • Legionnaires' disease is a type of severe pneumonia

  • Pontiac fever is mild illness that can include fever, muscle aches, and headaches

Rarely, Legionella can cause infections outside of the lungs, such as heart or wound infections.


Symptoms

Legionnaires' disease symptoms usually develop 2 to 14 days after exposure to Legionella bacteria, but it can take longer.

The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are similar to other types of pneumonia.

Symptoms include:

  • Cough

  • Fever

  • Headaches

  • Muscle aches

  • Shortness of breath

Other symptoms, such as confusion, diarrhea, or nausea can also occur.


Prevention

In buildings and public hot tubs

Building owners and managers can use a water management program to help control Legionella. Keep Reading: About Legionella Control


At home

There are steps people can take to help protect themselves from waterborne germs in their home. Keep Reading: Preventing Waterborne Germs at Home


In motor vehicles

Legionella can grow in the windshield wiper fluid tank of a vehicle, particularly if the tank is filled with water. To prevent growth and spread of Legionella, only use genuine windshield cleaner fluid and follow the vehicle manufacturer recommendations, if available.




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