If you believe you may have been exposed to Legionnaires’ disease, it is important to act quickly. Legionnaires’ is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, often linked to contaminated water sources such as cooling towers, hot tubs, fountains, or plumbing systems in large buildings.
Early medical attention can make the difference between a smooth recovery and life-threatening complications. Below, we answer the most common questions about what steps to take if you think you’ve been exposed.
What Are the First Signs I Should Watch For After Exposure?
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease typically appear 2 to 10 days or longer after exposure. Early signs may resemble the flu, but can quickly worsen into a pneumonia-like illness. Watch for:
- High fever (often above 104°F / 40°C)
- Cough (dry or with mucus, sometimes blood)
- Shortness of breath
- Severe headache or muscle aches
- Diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain
- Confusion or other mental changes
If you develop these symptoms after staying in a hotel, hospital, long-term care facility, cruise ship, or any place where water systems may have been contaminated, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
When Should I Seek Medical Care?
You should see a doctor right away if you notice fever, cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing after possible exposure. According to the CDC, early treatment with antibiotics significantly reduces the risk of severe complications.
Go to the emergency room if you:
- Have trouble breathing
- Are coughing up blood
- Experience neurological symptoms (confusion, slurred speech, balance problems)
- Have a very high fever that isn’t improving
How Is Legionnaires’ Disease Diagnosed?
Your doctor will begin with a physical exam and ask about recent travel, hospital stays, or time spent in large facilities where Legionella outbreaks are more likely. Common diagnostic tests include:
- Urine antigen test – detects Legionella proteins quickly
- Sputum or respiratory sample – confirms the bacteria through lab testing
- Chest X-ray or CT scan – shows lung changes like pneumonia
- Blood tests – check for infection and organ function
- Bronchoscopy or fluid sampling (in severe cases)
Only a healthcare provider can confirm exposure and infection, so self-diagnosis is not recommended.
What Should I Tell My Doctor?
When speaking with your provider, be ready to share:
- Where you think you were exposed (hotel, workplace, hospital, etc.)
- When symptoms began
- Any underlying health conditions (lung disease, diabetes, kidney problems, immune suppression)
- Medications you take that affect immunity (steroids, chemotherapy, transplant drugs)
This information will help your provider assess your risk level and start treatment quickly.
What Is the Treatment for Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease requires antibiotic therapy. The most commonly used medications include azithromycin and fluoroquinolones such as levofloxacin.
Treatment may include:
- Intravenous (IV) antibiotics in the hospital
- Oxygen therapy if breathing is difficult
- Mechanical ventilation in severe respiratory failure
- Medications for fever, pain, or diarrhea
With early care, most patients recover, though some may face long-term effects such as fatigue, breathing problems, or neurological symptoms.
What Complications Can Happen If I Delay Treatment?
Delaying treatment can be dangerous. Untreated Legionnaires’ disease can lead to:
- Respiratory failure (lungs unable to supply oxygen)
- Kidney failure
- Septic shock (sudden drop in blood pressure)
- Neurological problems (confusion, balance issues, encephalopathy)
- Death – up to 1 in 10 cases are fatal, and the risk is higher in healthcare-related outbreaks
Is Legionnaires’ Disease Contagious?
No. Legionnaires’ disease is not spread person to person. You cannot catch it from shaking hands, sharing food, or being near someone who has it. The infection comes from inhaling contaminated water droplets or mist.
What Should I Do If I Stayed at a Place With a Reported Outbreak?
If you learn that a hotel, apartment complex, hospital, or workplace you visited is linked to a Legionella outbreak:
- Monitor your health for 14 days after your stay.
- Seek medical care immediately if you develop symptoms.
- Inform your doctor of the potential outbreak so they test specifically for Legionella.
- Report your case to your local health department—this helps public health teams contain the outbreak and protect others.
How Can I Reduce My Risk in the Future?
You cannot completely eliminate the risk of exposure, but you can lower it by:
- Avoiding poorly maintained hot tubs or pools
- Using windshield washer fluid instead of plain water in vehicles
- Cleaning and disinfecting household humidifiers, faucets, and showerheads regularly
- Not smoking, which increases susceptibility to lung infections
Building managers and public facilities are responsible for maintaining safe water management programs to prevent Legionella growth.
Can I Take Legal Action If I Was Exposed?
If you were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after staying at a hotel, hospital, cruise ship, or other facility with poor water system maintenance, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Lawyers experienced in Legionnaires’ cases can help determine if negligence played a role in your exposure.
Act Fast: Seek Treatment and Legal Help for Legionnaires’ Disease Exposure
If you think you were exposed to Legionnaires’ disease, do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Seek medical care immediately, tell your provider about possible exposure, and follow through with diagnostic testing and antibiotic treatment. Acting early can prevent life-threatening complications.
If your illness is linked to a specific facility or outbreak, consider consulting with a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer. Legal guidance can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, or long-term health impacts.
