Pontiac Fever & Legionella

Pontiac Fever is an infection caused by a type of bacteria known as Legionella. The same bacterium causes Legionnaires' disease, a potentially deadly infection. Pontiac Fever and Legionnaires' disease may also be called Legionellosis separately or together.

Legionella is a Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium. Approximately 50 species and 70 serogroups have been identified by scientists.

People get Legionellosis when they breathe in a mist or vapor that has been contaminated with the bacteria. Fortunately, the bacteria are not spread from person to person.

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