Pontiac Fever
Pontiac Fever Causes
Pontiac fever is caused by a type of bacterium known as Legionella pneumophila. It is typically contracted by breathing mist that comes from a contaminated water source (e.g. whirlpool spas, showers, air conditioning cooler towers, etc.). Legionella pneumophila can not be transmitted from person to person contact.
Pontiac Fever Definition
Pontiac fever pertains to a disease caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium, which typically manifests with flu-like symptoms. Pontiac fever is actually a mild from of legionellosis; the severe form being Legionnaires disease.
Pontiac Fever Diagnosis
The diagnosis for Pontiac fever is mostly based on lab tests showing elevated levels of white blood cells, slight anomalies in liver function studies, as well as some decreased kidney function. In addition, imaging studies such as a chest X-ray may reveal abnormal densities and thus help rule out other possibilities.
Pontiac Fever Symptoms and Signs
Pontiac fever usually presents with the following flu-like symptoms: shivers, myalgia, muscle aches, and fever, possibly joined by other minor symptoms within 3-8 days after infection. Although Pontiac fever does not generally cause pneumonia, it can produce other lung-type disturbances such as a runny nose, a cough, and a sore throat.
Pontiac Fever Treatment
Symptoms of Pontiac fever typically last for two to five only, at which time it clears up spontaneously without a need for any form of treatment.