WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEGIONNAIRE'S DISEASE
WHAT IS LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE?
* A type of pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection of the lungs.
HOW DO YOU GET IT?
* Exposure to legionella bacteria. There are two common types in NSW, one is usually found in air conditioning cooling towers and the other in soil.
* It's not spread from person to person.
WHO IS AT RISK?
* Middle-aged and older people, particularly smokers or people with chronic lung disease.
SYMPTOMS:
* Fever, chills, a dry cough and shortness of breath.
* Some people also have muscle aches, headaches, tiredness, loss of appetite and diarrhoea.
* Symptoms typically occur between two and 10 days after exposure.
TREATMENT:
* Antibiotics.
PROGNOSIS:
* Most people recover, but it can occasionally be fatal.
PREVENTION:
* Regular inspection, disinfection and maintenance of cooling towers and plumbing systems.
* Reduce exposure to potting mix dust by wearing gloves and a mask.
Source: NSW Health
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