Legionnaires' Disease

Legionnaires' Disease is a serious lung infection caused by the bacteria *Legionella*, which thrives in warm water environments like cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing systems. People catch it by breathing in tiny water droplets containing the bacteria, not by drinking contaminated water. Symptoms typically include cough, shortness of breath, fever, and muscle aches, resembling pneumonia. It’s more common in older adults, smokers, or those with weakened immune systems. While it can be severe, it is treatable with antibiotics. Preventive measures focus on proper water system maintenance to reduce bacterial growth.