Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila is a bacterium that naturally lives in freshwater environments like lakes and rivers. It can cause a type of pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease when people breathe in tiny water droplets contaminated with the bacteria, often from faulty plumbing, cooling towers, or hot water systems. Not everyone exposed gets sick, but it can be serious or even fatal for vulnerable individuals. Proper maintenance of water systems and avoiding aerosolized contaminated water can help prevent infection. Awareness and control measures are essential to reduce the risk of outbreaks.