Legionaires' Disease

An infection with legionella bacteria which may cause a type of pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs).  There are two forms: Pontiac fever and leionella pneumonia.  Pontiac fever has a 1-2 day incubation period followed by flu like symptoms of fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches.  This form is usually of brief duration, with full recovery within a week and no pneumonia, though there may be cough and chest pain.  The incubation period for legionella pneumonia is 2-10 days.  Thos affected have fever, chills, headache, malaise, dry cough, and shortness of breath.  Half of patients will have no appetite, diarrhea or vomiting, and chest pain with coughing up of streaks of blood.  The patient looks ill, with rapid breathing and a slow heart rate.  Mental status can range from confusion to coma.  Complications can include respiratory failure, shock, coma, and heart problems.  Treatment is by antibiotics, such as Azithromycin.