Legionnaires’ disease

Water tap flowing in The bathroom



An outbreak doesn’t always result from an infected person or animal. In the case of Legionnaires’ disease, a contaminated water supply is the culprit: Transmission only occurs when a person inhales mist or water droplets that contain the bacteria Legionella. According to the National Institutes for Health, exposure can come from faucets, showers, whirlpools and the ventilation systems of large buildings. While this rare form of pneumonia can be severe and deadly, not everyone who is exposed to it will contract it. People at particular risk include those over 50, especially if they have a weakened immune system or chronic illness.