BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — The Broome County Health Department said Monday that it wants to remind the public about the increased presence of Legionnaires Disease during the spring and summer months.
Legionnaires Disease, or Legionellosis, is a serious type of pneumonia caused by bacteria called Legionella, which is found naturally in the environment, in water sources, the health department said. The bacteria that causes the disease grows the best in warm water sources like hot tubs, plumbing systems and decorative fountains. Of note, the department said cool water sources, like air conditioners, do not use water to cool air and do not pose a Legionella growth risk.
Symptoms of the disease include cough, muscle aches, fever, shortness of breath and headache.
A person contracts the disease by breathing in mist or vapor containing the bacteria. It is not spread from person to person. People who are 50-years-old or older and those with certain health factors are more at risk of contracting it.
Since there are no vaccines that can prevent Legionnaires Disease, the key to preventing it is maintenance of water systems, the department said.
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