NEW YORK - Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria . The disease is contracted when people breathe in mist or vapor contaminated with the bacteria.

While most healthy people exposed to the bacteria don't get sick, certain individuals, such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk.

Legionnaires' disease symptoms

What we know:

Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are similar to other types of pneumonia and usually develop between 2 and 14 days after exposure, but it is not usually spread from person to person, rather contracted from the source of the mist or water vapor that contains the bacteria. Symptoms can include a high fever, cough, muscle aches, headaches, and shortness of breath. In some cases, patient

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