What is Legionella?
Posted in: News on July 1, 2016 by...
Legionella is the bacteria that causes Legionnaires disease, which is a very serious lung infection. This nasty bacteria will cause flu-like symptoms or those like pneumonia. It can also cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Those most at risk of contracting Legionnaires disease as a result of this bacteria are the over 70’s, and between 2011 and 2013, it has caused 84 deaths in England and Wales.
Not everyone exposed to Legionella will contract the disease, however. You are more likely to contract it if you have underlying health conditions or a lower immune system. However, it is important that you see your GP as soon as possible if you think you have been exposed to avoid any possible illness. It is also not usually spread from one person to another, but this can occur in very rare cases, so it is best to be careful around anyone who has the disease.
