Legionellosis

Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick. People at increased risk of getting sick are:

• People 50 years or older
  
• Current or former smokers
  
• People with a chronic lung disease (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema) 
  
• People with weak immune systems or who take drugs that weaken the immune system (like after a transplant operation or chemotherapy)
  
• People with cancer
  
• People with underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure
  

Legionellosis is a reportable disease in Oklahoma.

The key to preventing Legionnaires’ disease is to reduce the risk of Legionella growth and spread. Building owners and managers can do this by maintaining building water systems and implementing controls for Legionella.

There are no vaccines that can prevent Legionnaires’ disease.

Instead, the key to preventing Legionnaires’ disease is to reduce the risk of Legionella growth and spread.

Legionnaires’ disease requires treatment with antibiotics and most cases of this illness can be treated successfully. Healthy people usually get better after being sick with Legionnaires’ disease, but they often need care in the hospital.

Possible complications of Legionnaires’ disease include

• Lung failure
• Death