Legionellosis epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yazan Daaboul, M.D.; Serge Korjian M.D.

The majority of cases of legionellosis are reported between the Summer and early Fall (between June and October). Approximately 8,000-18,000 individuals are hospitalized annually in the USA for Legionnaires’ disease with a case fatality rate ranging between 10% to 35%. The median case-patient age is 61 years, and the male to female ratio is 1.8 to 1.

• In USA, the incidence of legionellosis ranges between 1-3 cases per 100,000 individuals.
• Approximately 8,000-18,000 individuals are hospitalized annually in the USA for legionellosis.
• The incidence of legionellosis is believed to be increasing over the last 10-15 years.

• The case fatality rate of legionellosis ranges between 10% to 35%.
• Hospital-acquired legionellosis is associated with a higher case fatality rate compared with community-acquired legionellosis.

• The median case-patient age is 61 years.
• Patients of all ages may acquire legionellosis, but elderly patients older than 65 years of age are at higher risk.

• Males are slightly more likely to develop legionellosis.
• The male to female ratio is 1.8 to 1.

• There is no racial predilection to the development of legionellosis.

• The majority of cases of legionellosis are reported between the Summer and early Fall (between June and October).

• Although approximately 8,000 – 18,000 individuals are hospitalized with legionellosis in the U.S. each year, the disease is thought to be significantly under-reported with estimated of 2%-10% of cases being reported.
• In USA, legionellosis is a reportable condition in most states

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