What Is Legionnaires Disease?
10. Legionnaires Disease vs. Pontiac Fever
Legionnaires disease is a serious illness caused by L. pneumophila. However, the bacteria also cause Pontiac fever, a much milder disease. The symptoms of Pontiac fever are similar to those of the flu. The illness does not lead to pneumonia. Pontiac fever is often seen during outbreaks of Legionnaires disease.
Diagnosis is generally made using a urine or blood test, though false negatives are not uncommon. If the individual was potentially exposed to L. pneumophila, then a Pontiac fever diagnosis can still be made when test results are negative. People with the illness typically recover without specific treatment.
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