Website of the UK government

Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaires' disease

More on Legionnaires' disease from NHS Choices

• NHS Choices Opens new window

Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal lung infection. The disease is contracted by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water. However, it is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person.

Legionnaires' disease is commonly linked to water systems such as air conditioning units, showers and fountains, where water is given off in a fine spray.

The HPA study found two vehicle-related actions that can increase the risk of catching Legionnaires' disease.

These are:

• driving through industrial areas
  
• driving or being a passenger in a vehicle without screenwash in its wiper fluid
  

The HPA is now investigating whether the use of screen wash in wiper fluid could help prevent this Legionnaires' disease.

To read the full study, and for more information on Legionnaires' disease, follow the links below.

• Windscreen wiper fluid and Legionnaires' disease Opens new window

• Legionnaires' disease - NHS Choices Opens new window