Striking peak in the number of Legionella infections: “You can also contract the bacteria at home”, warns the expert | My Guide: Health

Even though the hygienic conditions in most holiday countries are fine these days, there is still a chance that you will become infected with legionella under the hotel shower. You can also contract the bacteria in our country: in July an unexplained peak in the number of infections was even established. “You get Legionella by breathing in water mist containing the bacteria,” says Professor Katrien Lagrou of UZ Leuven. “It settles in your lungs and can cause life-threatening pneumonia.” This way you can recognize the symptoms and reduce the risk of infection.