Legionnaires’ disease is most commonly contracted in places with contaminated water systems that produce mist, such as hotels, hospitals, cooling towers, hot tubs, and large buildings with complex plumbing. These environments allow Legionella bacteria to grow and become airborne, increasing the risk of inhalation and infection, especially in individuals over 50 or with compromised immune systems.
Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the most common sources of Legionnaires’ disease to help you stay informed and safe.
Common Places People Contract Legionnaires’ Disease
1. Can you get Legionnaires’ disease from hotel stays?
Yes. Hotels and resorts are one of the most commonly associated locations for Legionnaires’ outbreaks. They often have large plumbing systems, hot tubs, pools, and fountains—all potential breeding grounds for Legionella if not properly maintained. Rooms or fixtures that are rarely used can harbor stagnant water, making contamination more likely.
2. Are hospitals and nursing homes common places to contract Legionnaires’ disease?
Absolutely. Hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities carry an increased risk because they use complex water systems and serve immunocompromised populations. Contaminated showers, faucets, or respiratory equipment can expose vulnerable patients to the bacteria.
3. What role do cooling towers and HVAC systems play in Legionnaires’ outbreaks?
Cooling towers connected to large HVAC systems are a major source of concern. These towers use water to cool the air and can emit fine droplets into the surrounding environment. If these towers harbor Legionella and are not regularly disinfected, people in or near the building may inhale the contaminated mist.
4. Can hot tubs or spa pools cause Legionnaires’ disease?
Yes. Hot tubs and spa pools, especially those found in hotels, cruise ships, or gyms, are ideal environments for Legionella to thrive—warm water and bubbling jets make it easy for bacteria to aerosolize and be inhaled. Poor cleaning and infrequent maintenance significantly raise the risk.
5. Are decorative fountains and water features risky?
Decorative water features, like indoor fountains or outdoor displays in malls and courtyards, can spread Legionella if not disinfected properly. These fountains often produce fine mists and can be contaminated when maintenance is infrequent or filtration systems fail.
6. Can Legionnaires’ disease come from residential buildings?
While single-family homes are generally low-risk, large residential complexes with aging or poorly maintained plumbing systems can allow Legionella to grow. Water heaters, communal showers, and pipes with stagnant water are all possible sources, especially when hot water is not kept at the recommended temperature.
7. Could car windshield wiper fluid be a source of Legionnaires’ disease?
Surprisingly, yes. Legionella has been found in windshield wiper fluid reservoirs—especially when people use plain water instead of proper windshield washer fluid. Commercial drivers and vehicle operators may be exposed to aerosolized bacteria through repeated wiper use.
8. What about workplaces or industrial facilities?
Industrial sites, manufacturing plants, and office buildings with complex water systems are also potential hotspots. Workers may be exposed through cooling systems, industrial humidifiers, or even high-pressure hoses that aerosolize contaminated water.
9. Are lakes, rivers, or ponds a source of Legionnaires’ disease?
Not usually. Legionella bacteria are naturally found in freshwater environments, but the concentration is typically too low to cause illness. The danger arises when bacteria are allowed to multiply in artificial systems like those mentioned above.
10. Can you catch Legionnaires’ disease from another person?
No. Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and does not spread person-to-person. The only known transmission is through inhalation (or less commonly, aspiration) of water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria.
What to Do if You Contract Legionnaires’ Disease: Know Your Risks and Legal Options
If you’ve been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, especially after visiting a hotel, hospital, or workplace where these conditions were present, you may have grounds to take legal action. Property owners and facility managers have a responsibility to maintain safe water systems.
Consult with experienced Legionnaires’ Lawyers to explore your legal rights. We can help investigate the source of exposure and determine whether negligence played a role in your illness.
