Legionellosis is the range of illnesses caused by exposure to legionella bacteria.
Including Pontiac fever and Lochgoilghead fever which are less severe diseases, with acute flu-like symptoms. Legionnaires’ disease, however, is very serious form of pneumonia, and can be fatal. The vast majority of cases of this lung infection are caused by exposure to Legionella pneumophila bacteria.
Legionnaires’ disease does not go away by itself and needs medical treatment, including antibiotic medication. Most people go on to make a full recovery, but recovery time can vary.
The lung infection caused by the legionella bacteria can affect breathing and lead to serious illness and even death. Other complications include sepsis, a dangerous bacterial infection throughout the whole body.
Recovery prospects can depend on when treatment started, and pre-existing health.
Legionnaires’ disease can affect people in close contact with contaminated water sources, and also over a wider geographic area.
Four people were killed and ninety-two cases identified in a major public outbreak in 2012 in the west of Edinburgh. Despite a major investigation, the source of the legionella was never conclusively identified.