Various Forms of Legionella

Legionella has caused several deaths in the past and is now a major concern for industries and health-care facilities that use boilers, cooling towers and hot water systems. It is best to get your water system checked on a regular basis to ensure you and your employees are safe from the dangerous and fatal bacterium.


Legionella requires the presence of oxygen to survive and grow. Growth can occur at mild temperatures of up to 45 Deg C (113 Deg F). This bacterium grows at a slower rate as compared to other fresh water bacteria. Legionella needs appropriate nutrients and minerals for growth. There are two forms of Legionnaires Disease; Pneumonia and Pontiac Fever. The pneumonia form of legionellosis is highly dangerous and can be contracted by inhaling water vapors containing legionella. The bacterium then infects the lung tissue. The incubation period can be anywhere from 2 to 10 days long. Of all the people exposed to the danger approx. 1-4% get ill. The mortality rate for patients that contract the disease is 15- 20%, which is very high

During summer and fall, legionella cases are on the rise. Symptoms such as a fever of 102 Deg F), headache, cough and upset stomach come on slowly and gradually. Older people are more at risk as compared to children; whereas, senior citizens are most affected due to low immunity.

Comparatively, Pontiac Fever is a mild, self-limiting form of legionellosis. It has an incubation period of only 36 hours. The attack rate for Pontiac Fever is higher at 95%, and most working adults are victimized by the dangerous bacterium, that is not as fatal as pneumonia form of legionellosis.

For Legionella Treatment, JNB Labs conducts legionella testing, on-site facilities. With many years of experience and know how these people can take care of your boilers, cooling towers, water ponds and more…