Situation and vulnerability
Older age, smoking, chronic diseases and immunosuppression can increase the risk of severe form.
Signs and limits of their interpretation
Fever, cough, shortness of breath and sometimes digestive disorders or confusion may occur. A major respiratory difficulty warrants urgent assistance.
Diagnosis and monitoring
The medical team can use urinary and respiratory tests. The choice of examinations influences the species or types of Legionella detected.
Check these benchmarks in the WHO reference →
Prevention and care
Prevention is based on the control of water installations. Pneumonia requires care; Legionella's presence cannot be judged by water transparency.
Practical issues
Is drinking water the main mode of acquisition?
Inhalation of contaminated aerosols is the usual route; suction can also occur. Inter-person transmission is not the common way.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
- Recent stays and frequented places
- Exposure to aerosol-producing facilities
- Start of signs and vulnerabilities
Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. Fictive scene; this visual illustrates an observational approach.
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Related fact sheets
These sheets share ways or contexts of exhibition in our catalogue. This reconciliation does not establish a differential diagnosis.
Compare Legionellosis with associated sheets →
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