What is Pontiac Fever?

Pontiac fever is a mild flu-like illness caused by Legionella bacteria, often affecting previously healthy and young individuals. Symptoms can include fever, headaches and muscle aches but unlike Legionnaires' disease Pontiac Fever does not cause pneumonia. The illness will usually clear up without treatment within two to three days.

How similar is this to Legionnaires' disease?

Pontiac Fever is a milder infection than Legionnaires' disease (a form of pneumonia) and both diseases are caused by the same types of Legionella bacteria.

How widespread is the disease?

As the symptoms of Pontiac Fever are similar to other common infections and the illness is self-limiting, people don't always contact their GP about their illness. Sporadic cases are therefore not often reported. However when illness affects a connected group, outbreaks are reported. Outbreaks are relatively uncommon and may be associated with spa pools. Only one previous outbreak has been recognised in England, and one in Scotland. Both were caused by L. micdadei and were associated with spa pools in leisure centres. Outbreaks have been noted before in other European countries and in the US.

What are the symptoms?

The illness is self-limiting and symptoms can include fever, shivers, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and a dry cough. It is not clear why some people get Legionnaires' disease (with pneumonia) and some people get the milder Pontiac Fever when infected with legionella bacteria. It is also thought that some people who are infected with legionella bacteria do not become ill at all.

How soon do symptoms occur?

The incubation period is short, varying from a few hours to 12-48 hours.

What is the treatment?

There is no specific treatment for Pontiac fever but symptoms should be treated appropriately depending on severity. For flu like symptoms, analgesics should help but antibiotics may be recommended for more severe symptoms.

Where are legionella organisms found?

Legionellas are widely distributed in the environment. They have been found in ponds, hot and cold water systems, and water in air conditioning cooling systems.

How is the disease spread?

The disease is spread through the air from a water source. Person to person spread does not occur. Breathing in aerosols from a contaminated water system such as spa pools is the most likely route of transmission.

Who gets Pontiac Fever?

The disease often affects previously healthy and young individuals but all ages could be affected.

How is it diagnosed?

Pontiac Fever is diagnosed through a blood test to show evidence of infection.

What should I do if I think I have Pontiac Fever?

If you believe you have this infection, you should contact your GP for advice.

There is no specific treatment for Pontiac fever but symptoms should be treated appropriately depending on severity. For flu like symptoms, analgesics should help but antibiotics may be recommended for more severe symptoms.