Is Legionnaires’ disease life threatening? What Is The Survival Rate of Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is atypical pneumonia caused by any Legionella bacteria species. Cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle pains, and headaches are some of the signs and symptoms.

The fatality rate is around 10% for healthy people and 25% for those with underlying conditions.

One in every ten people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die as a result of complications from their illness.

One in every four people who contract Legionnaires’ disease while in a healthcare facility will die.

Legionnaires’ disease can result in several potentially fatal complications, including:

Respiratory failure. This happens when the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen to the body or remove enough carbon dioxide from the blood.

Septic shock. This happens when a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure reduces blood flow to vital organs, particularly the kidneys and brain.

Acute renal failure. This is the sudden inability of your kidneys to filter waste from your blood. When your kidneys fail, your body accumulates dangerous levels of fluid and waste.

There is no vaccine available.  However, water system maintenance is essential for prevention.