Legionnaires’ Disease: What It Is, How It Spreads, Risk Factors, and Prevention – EODY Announcement

The National Organization for Public Health (EODY) provides detailed information about Legionnaires’ disease and continues its preventive actions for travelers visiting Greece. The aim of these actions is to ensure public health and enhance the safety and quality of tourism services. As part of the new tourist season in 2025, informative seminars are planned on the topic: ‘Prevention of Legionnaires’ Disease for Travelers in Greece.’ These seminars, held in collaboration with the Regional Unit of Magnesia and Sporades, target hotel owners/managers in cities such as Volos and Skiathos. The focus will be on scientifically informing stakeholders about transmission methods and preventive measures to safeguard visitors’ health. Legionnaires’ disease is an acute bacterial infection caused by Legionella bacteria. There are 50 different types of Legionella, with 28 linked to human illness, most commonly Legionella pneumophila. The disease presents two clinical entities: Pontiac fever, a mild flu-like condition, and Legionnaires’ disease, which primarily manifests as pneumonia and can be fatal in 5-30% of cases. Legionella thrives in water systems at temperatures between 20°C–45°C and does not spread person-to-person but through inhalation of contaminated water droplets. High-risk groups include people over 50, smokers, those with chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, cancer, kidney failure, or weakened immune systems.