What is the primary health risk associated with Legionnaires' disease?

The primary health risk associated with Legionnaires' disease is severe pneumonia. This disease is caused by the bacterium Legionella, which can lead to an acute respiratory illness characterized by severe inflammation and infection of the lungs—the hallmark of pneumonia. Individuals infected may experience symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, high fever, and chills, which can escalate quickly and may require hospitalization.

While high fever and chronic cough are symptoms associated with Legionnaires' disease, they are part of the broader clinical picture of severe pneumonia. Kidney failure can occur in severe cases, but this is typically a complication rather than the primary risk. The focus on severe pneumonia as the primary health risk highlights the significant respiratory impact of the disease and its potential severity, reinforcing the importance of early identification and treatment.