Legionnaires'
Disease Symptoms - The symptoms of Legionnaires'
disease are similar to the symptoms of the flu:
- high temperature, feverishness and chills;
- cough;
- muscle pains;
- headache; and leading on to
- pneumonia, very occasionally
- diarrhoea and signs of mental confusion.
If you develop the above symptoms and you are worried
that it might be Legionnaires' disease, see your general
practitioner.
Diagnosis
Because it is similar to the flu, it is not always
easy to diagnose. A blood or urine test will be helpful
in deciding whether an illness is or is not Legionnaires'
disease. When doctors are aware that the illness is
present in the local community, they have a much better
chance of diagnosing it earlier.
Reporting Legionnaires' Disease
If you suspect that you may have got the illness as
a consequence of your work then you are advised to report
this to your manager, as well as your health and safety
representative and occupational health department, if
you have one. In the UK there is a legal requirement
for employers to report cases of Legionnaires' disease
that may be acquired at their premises to the Health
and Safety Executive.
Updated 13.1.04 - Parts of this document
© Crown Copyright 2004 - originally produced and
published by the UK's Health & Safety Executive.
Additional Information
For further information and expert assistance please
call us on +44 (0) 161 877
0586 or email info@legionellacontrol.com.
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