Legionnaires 'disease is named after the General Assembly of the Veterans held in Philadelphia in 1976, where the disease outbroke. It is lung inflammation caused by infection of Legionella bacteria. Many organs can be damaged. It won't spread from person to person. You get infected if you inhale the bacteria. The elderly, smokers, and those with reduced immunity are at higher risk. The most common direct cause of death is respiratory failure, followed by shock and acute renal failure. With early diagnosis and effective treatment, mortality can be reduced. Erythromycin is useful.
How is Legionnaires disease treated in practice?