legionnaires' disease

noun

Pathology.

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

legionnaire's disease

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of legionnaires' disease¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of legionnaires' disease¹

C20: after the outbreak at a meeting of the American Legion at Philadelphia in 1976

Example Sentences

Legionnaires' disease is one of the more common infections that can arise from poorly kept units.

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Donna Jobling, from west Hull, contracted Legionnaires' disease on the island of Crete, and is in intensive care.

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Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection most commonly contracted through the inhalation of water droplets containing Legionella bacteria.

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But bacteria which causes the potentially fatal Legionnaires' disease was found during tests on the heating system days before the new health centre was due to open.

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His time investigating a wide range of outbreaks, from hantavirus to Legionnaires’ disease, provided him with extensive hands-on training and allowed him to work with “great mentors” who solidified his future in public health.

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