Pontiac Fever is a type of legionellosis, meaning it is caused by the legionella bacterium. Legionella is the same organism that causes Legionnaires’ Disease.
If someone has Pontiac Fever there are many symptoms that may present. Symptoms that may appear can include, but are not limited to: sore throat, dry cough, fever, muscle pain, persistent tiredness, headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, chest pain, and difficultly sleeping.
The symptoms of Pontiac Fever often closely resemble influenza, so it is difficult to diagnose without tests. Usually blood tests or urine tests can determine if one does indeed have Pontiac Fever. If a case of Pontiac Fever is confirmed, it is important that the infected individual provide information about where they have been and who they have been with, as people they have been around most likely were also exposed to legionella bacterium and potentially could develop Legionnaires’ Disease.
Pontiac Fever is NOT Legionnaires’ Disease
While Pontiac Fever bares some similarities to Legionnaires’ Disease, there are some important differences between the two illnesses. The most important thing to remember is that Legionnaires’ Disease can be fatal, which is almost never the case with Pontiac Fever.
Pontiac Fever has a much quicker onset, usually coming on within a few hours after exposure to the legionella bacterium, while Legionnaires’ can take anywhere from 2 to 10 days for symptoms to begin to develop. Pontiac Fever is a respiratory infection, commonly resembling an acute case of influenza, while Legionnaires’ is actually a type of pneumonia.
The most important distinction between the two is that Pontiac Fever is a much milder illness, while still serious. If someone has Legionnaires’ Disease, antibiotics are almost always a necessity for recovery, but those with Pontiac Fever will often experience relief within two to five days.
Where does Legionella Come From?
Legionella lives inside amoebae, which is in water. Legionella is usually found naturally in bodies of water streams and ponds. Legionella is also found in cooling towers, swimming pools, fountains, home hot-water supplies, showers, and more. There are about 50 species of legionella and some types are found in other environments as well, such as potting soil.
How Infection Happens
Legionella is breathed in when mist containing the bacteria is inhaled, meaning that legionella is normally airborne, often in an area with poor ventilation. However, some reports state that airborne legionella can travel about four miles from its source. It has been estimated that up to 20% of legionella infections can be traced to within the home. Hot water supplies, heating systems, and the biological slime that grows in their pipes are often the culprits. The legionella lives and grows in this slime.
Preventing Pontiac Fever
Cleaning can prevent the growth of legionella and other bacteria. It may be a good idea to clean air conditioning and heating systems, water tanks, pools, and spas. Antibacterial agents may need to be used in particular concentrations to kill bacteria. For some uses, chlorine and chlorine dioxide may be ideal.
Turning up the heat on your hot water heater and boiler could also help. Usually water is kept hot, but not too hot to prevent scalding or to be more energy efficient, but boiling water is a sure way to kill legionella and many other types of bacteria.
