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Legionnaires disease

Legionnaires disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody, but which principally affects those who are susceptible because of age, illness, immunosuppression, smoking etc.

It is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria that can be found naturally in environmental water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs. They may also be found in purpose built water systems where temperatures have been at the right level to encourage their growth. Legionella bacteria thrive between 20°C and 45°C.

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• How can people catch it?
• What are the symptoms?
• What legal duties do I have?
• Assessing the risk - practical tips