What is Legionella?
Legionella bacteria can cause a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) called Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria can also cause a less serious illness called Pontiac fever. Legionnaires’ disease is recognised worldwide as an important cause of both community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia. Legionella bacteria are common and can be found naturally in environmental water sources, including rivers, lakes, natural pools and moist soil.
It can become a health concern when it grows and spreads in human-made building water systems like shower heads and sink faucet, hot tubs that aren’t drained after each use and large plumbing systems.
All specimens that are sent to the Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis for diagnostic testing are submitted together with a specimen submission form.
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