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
![CDC's ELITE Program](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161226070358im_/https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/images/elite-logo-sm.jpg)
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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