EpiReview: Legionnaires' disease, NSW, 1991–2000

Abstract

Reports of Legionnaires’ disease can create alarm in the community because of the fear of outbreaks of illness, yet the vast majority of cases occur sporadically. Legionnaires’ disease is characterised by general malaise, a lack of appetite, muscle aches and headache, followed by high fever, chills, a dry cough and pneumonia. Abdominal pain and diarrhoea may occur. Up to 39 per cent of hospitalised patients may die, and the death rate is higher among people who have other underlying diseases. Risk factors for the disease include male gender, older age, smoking, diabetes, chronic lung disease, renal disease, cancer, and immune suppression.