Symptoms

The illness usually starts with a fever, chills, headache and muscle pain. This is followed by a dry cough and breathing difficulties that may progress to severe pneumonia. About 30% of those infected will also have diarrhoea or vomiting and about 50% become confused or delirious.

Accurate diagnosis requires specific laboratory tests. If you suspect you, a family member or a friend have contracted Legionnaires’ disease, in the first instance always seek medical help and visit your doctor.

Recently Travelled?

If you have recently developed Legionnaires’ symptoms after returning from a holiday always try to make contact with others who visited the same hotels / areas to find out if anyone else has fallen ill.

Common Potential Sources of Infection

Across all business and public sectors, water systems with legionella bacteria control problems are not uncommon. The most common potential sources of Legionnaires’ are:

• Showers that are not in regular weekly use or flushed at least weekly;
• Spa pools;
• Cooling towers used for air conditioning;
• Ornamental fountains, particularly indoors;
• Premises just reopened after refurbishments, summer breaks etc.

What Next?

If you wish to find out more about the next steps you should consider taking, please contact us.

All information supplied will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.

Disclaimer

Information supplied for guideline purposes only and in accordance with our terms and conditions, always seek medical assistance.