An acute respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophilia, which causes a serious pneumonia . The bacteria have been found in water delivery systems and can survive in the warm, moist, air conditioning systems of large buildings including hospitals. The infection is transmitted through the respiratory route. Person to person spread has not been proven. From the onset of symptoms, a worsening of the condition is typical during the first 4 to 6 days, with improvement starting in another 4 to 5 days.
Most infection occurs in middle-aged or older people, although it has been reported in children.
Typically, the disease is LESS severe in children. Legionnaire's disease Please read this Important notice . Please read it.