Legionnaires' (LEE-juh-nares) disease is caused by a type of bacterium called Legionella (LEE-juh-nell-a). The bacterium is named after a 1976 outbreak, during which some people who went to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion suffered from a new type of pneumonia (lung infection) that became known as Legionnaires’ disease. A milder infection, also caused by Legionella, is called Pontiac fever. The term "legionellosis" (LEE-juh-nuh-low-sis) may be used to refer to either Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever.
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About the Disease
Causes, how it spreads, people at increased risk, signs and symptoms, treatment and complications… -
Fast Facts
Facts about Legionella and the illnesses it can cause… -
Outbreaks
Legionellosis outbreaks are commonly associated with human-made water systems… -
For Clinicians
Disease information, clinical features, complications, diagnostic testing… -
For Health Departments
Investigation tools for single cases, clusters, and outbreaks… -
For Media
Answers to commonly asked questions about legionellosis… -
Water System Maintenance
Prevention tools for building owners and managers, hot tub operators, hospital administrators… -
Surveillance and Reporting
Reported cases of legionellosis, trends, case definition… -
ELITE Program for Labs
Lab certification, member list, frequently asked questions… -
Materials
Fact sheets, videos, podcasts, toolkits... -
Publications
Additional published resources…
Environmental Investigation Videos
CDC has developed six instructional videos on various environmental aspects of legionellosis outbreak investigations.
ELITE Program
The Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation (ELITE) Program was created as a way for laboratories to test their Legionella isolation techniques against standardized samples.
- Page last reviewed: June 6, 2016
- Page last updated: July 7, 2016
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