What is legionnaires' disease?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEGIONNAIRE'S DISEASE

WHAT IS LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE?

* A type of pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection of the lungs.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

* Exposure to legionella bacteria. There are two common types in NSW, one is usually found in air conditioning cooling towers and the other in soil.

* It's not spread from person to person.

WHO IS AT RISK?

* Middle-aged and older people, particularly smokers or people with chronic lung disease.

SYMPTOMS:

* Fever, chills, a dry cough and shortness of breath.

* Some people also have muscle aches, headaches, tiredness, loss of appetite and diarrhoea.

* Symptoms typically occur between two and 10 days after exposure.

TREATMENT:

* Antibiotics.

PROGNOSIS:

* Most people recover, but it can occasionally be fatal.

PREVENTION:

* Regular inspection, disinfection and maintenance of cooling towers and plumbing systems.

* Reduce exposure to potting mix dust by wearing gloves and a mask.

Source: NSW Health