Mechanism: generation of a water aerosol
Potential sources of exposure to Legionalla may include:
(1) cooling tower
(2) decorative fountain
(3) hot-water tub or whirlpool
(4) thermal spring
(5) vegetable misting device in a store
(6) compost or potting soil
(7) air conditioning units
(8) ultrasonic humidifier
(9) shower bath
Many sporadic cases may go unrecognized.
Diagnosis usually entails:
(1) the occurrence of a cluster of cases
(2) isolation of a Legionella species from the water source
(3) isolate of Legionella from a patient matches that in the water source
