
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Legionellosis epidemiology and demographics
Introduction
Overview
Overview
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.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
Incidence
- 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.
Case Fatality Rate
- 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.
Age
- 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.
Gender
- Males are slightly more likely to develop legionellosis.
- The male to female ratio is 1.8 to 1.
Race
- There is no racial predilection to the development of legionellosis.
Seasonal Variation
- The majority of cases of legionellosis are reported between the Summer and early Fall (between June and October).
Infection in the U.S.
- 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
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yazan Daaboul, M.D.; Serge Korjian M.D.
