Primary Prevention of Legionella Infections

Increased Risk

Those at increased risk for developing Legionnaires’ disease include:

• those age 50 and older
• current or former smokers
• those with chronic lung disease
• those whose immune systems may be weakened by certain chronic health conditions or medications    

Common Sources

• CDC’s analysis of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks suggests that many are due to problems with water systems in buildings, particularly hotels, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. 
• Environmental conditions that promote Legionella bacterial growth can be within the building’s plumbing itself, or within devices that aerosolize water such as hot tubs, cooling towers, or fountains.

According to CDC, implementing good maintenance strategies for water systems in buildings at increased risk is the best strategy for preventing Legionella infections.

Learn More

• CDC: Legionella (Legionnaires' Disease and Pontiac Fever) Prevention with Water Management Programs
  This section offers information for routine maintenance of building and recreational water systems to reduce the risk of Legionella growth and spread.