Facebook Pixel

Legionnaire's Disease Causes & Risks

Causes

This disease is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophilia . The bacteria are most often found in sources of standing water. It may be found in cooling towers, HVAC systems, and air conditioners. It can also be found in soil.

Legionnaire's disease can be contracted by:

  • Breathing water vapor from a standing water source that contains Legionella bacteria into the lungs
  • Breathing dust from soil containing Legionella bacteria into the lungs

The Lungs

Nucleus factsheet image
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

The infection does not move from one person to another.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance for Legionnaire's disease include:

  • Advanced age
  • Sex: male
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Weakened immune system (as with AIDS )
  • People with kidney failure
  • Diabetes
  • Taking cortisone or other immunosuppressive drugs
  • Organ transplant patients
  • Working with soil, especially newly tilled soil or potting soil

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

The Latest in Legionnaire's Disease Causes & Risks

ASK Your Health Question

It's FREE and you'll get a response within 24 hours

ASK

POST Info, Tips & Stories

Inspire others to learn from your experiences. Tell your story!

POST
Get Email Updates

Legionnaire's Disease Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!