Legionnaires’ disease

Legionnaires’ disease A disease that is caused by bacteria found in plumbing, shower heads, and water-storage tanks. The disease was first identified at the 1976 American Legion convention, and subsequent outbreaks have occurred. The bacterium that causes it, now known as Legionella, thrives in the mist of condensers, air conditioners, and evaporative cooling towers, and it can infest an entire building or airplane. The symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are much like those of pneumonia and can be overwhelming and sometimes fatal. Also known as Legionella pneumonia.