PHO Rounds: Legionella Outbreak Investigations: A Practical Approach

Legionella is a bacteria that resides in the environment, usually contracted by inhalation of contaminated aerosolized water from human-made water systems. Exposure can result in Pontiac fever, a self-limited flu-like illness or Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. This three-part series will provide a practical overview in conducting a public health investigation of legionellosis, including assessment of the epidemiology, potential environmental sources, appropriate clinical and environmental testing, and environmental control and remediation.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe an approach to Legionella case exposure investigation.
• Describe the ecology of Legionella in human-made water systems.
• Outline an environmental risk assessment in a Legionella investigation.

Presenter(s): Dr. Austin Zygmunt and Kelly Briscoe