Published on: 8/6/2025
What are the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease?
Legionnaires' disease symptoms include fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, and sometimes confusion.
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Explanation
Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. People with this illness often start with symptoms like fever, chills, and a cough. These symptoms can be similar to the flu. As the disease progresses, it can cause muscle aches, headaches, and sometimes confusion or changes in mental state.
Common Symptoms:
- Fever and Chills: These are often the first signs and can be quite severe.
- Cough: This may be dry or produce mucus.
- Muscle Aches: General body pains are common.
- Headache: This can accompany other symptoms.
- Confusion: Some people may experience changes in their mental state.
These symptoms can vary in severity, and not everyone will have all of them. If someone suspects they have Legionnaires' disease, it's important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
(References)
- Pancer K. (2010). [Legionnaires' disease--risk factors and symptoms]. Przeglad epidemiologiczny, 20731241.
- Tsai TF, Finn DR, Plikaytis BD, McCauley W, Martin SM, & Fraser DW. (1979). Legionnaires' disease: clinical features of the epidemic in .... Annals of internal medicine, 434627.
- Kirby BD, Snyder KM, Meyer RD, & Finegold SM. (1978). Legionnaires' disease: clinical features of 24 cases. Annals of internal medicine, 686539.
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