According to the Mayo Clinic, Legionnaires' disease refers to a serious form of pneumonia that was first identified in 1976 at an American Legion convention. The bacterium that causes this disease is called Legionella. It can only be contracted through the inhalation of the bacteria. Individuals with a weakened immune system are more likely to contract the disease and have complications. Without treatment, Legionnaires' disease can be fatal, according to the Mayo Clinic. Even with treatment, some individuals suffer long-term difficulties.
First Symptoms
Within two to 14 days of exposure to Legionella, an individual will begin to exhibit signs of Legionnaires' disease. These early symptoms include a headache, muscle pain, chills and a fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, according to the Mayo Clinic. These symptoms are easily attributed to a number of different illnesses. At this point, a person with Legionnaires' disease may suspect the flu or some other mild illness.
Progressive Symptoms
By the second or third day the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease will be quite substantial. Individuals will have a cough that brings up blood or mucous. Like pneumonia, the disease makes breathing difficult. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, loss of appetite and confusion or other mental changes. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also present themselves.
Other Side Effects
Without treatment, Legionnaires' disease can spread to or infect other parts of the body, including wounds or even the heart, according to the Mayo Clinic. This does not occur in all instances.
Pontiac fever is a mild form of Legionnaires' disease. Symptoms are similar to the regular disease but it does not affect the lungs. Instead, individuals will experience a fever, chills, headache and muscle aches. Pontiac fever lasts two to five days. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is speculation that Pontiac fever is not an infection, but rather a hypersensitivity reaction to Legionella bacteria.
