How quickly do Legionnaires' symptoms appear after exposure?

Legionnaires' disease is a type of lung infection caused by bacteria called Legionella. The time it takes for symptoms to show up after being exposed to the bacteria is known as the incubation period. According to studies, people typically start to feel sick 2 to 10 days after they come into contact with the bacteria.

Key Points:

• Incubation Period: Most people will start feeling symptoms between 2 to 10 days after exposure.
• Symptoms: These can include cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, similar to pneumonia.

Understanding this time frame is important because it helps doctors identify where and when someone might have been exposed to the bacteria. This can be crucial in preventing further cases, especially in places like hospitals or large buildings where the bacteria might spread through water systems.