legionnaires' disease

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a type of acute pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila bacterium and characterized by fever, chest pain, cough, and muscle aches.

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legionnaire's disease British  

noun

1. a serious, sometimes fatal, infection, caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, which has symptoms similar to those of pneumonia: believed to be spread by inhalation of contaminated water vapour from showers and air-conditioning plants

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Etymology

Origin of legionnaires' disease

So called from its first reported occurrence, at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia in 1976

Example Sentences

In August, authorities said Poland's domestic security agency was investigating whether an outbreak of legionnaires' disease might be the result of intentional tampering with the water system.

From Reuters • Sep. 14, 2023

In Flint, the same issue that caused the release of lead into the drinking water also resulted in deadly cases of legionnaires’ disease in the surrounding community.

From The Guardian • Sep. 15, 2020

Alison Cope from Birmingham said a member of her party had suffered headaches, breathing difficulties and water on the lung, which a British doctor said was consistent with legionnaires’ disease.

From The Guardian • Aug. 27, 2018

San Quentin has been experiencing an outbreak of legionnaires’ disease over the past week, with six confirmed cases and 95 inmates under observation for the severe form of pneumonia.

From The Guardian • Sep. 3, 2015