Pontiac fever

A flu-like illness caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila contracted by breathing mist that comes from a water source (such as air conditioning cooling towers, whirlpool spas, showers) contaminated with the bacteria.

The incubation period is short, from a few hours to 2 days, before the onset of fever and muscle aches.

Persons with Pontiac fever do not have pneumonia.

They generally recover in 2 to 5 days without treatment.

Pontiac fever is so-named because of an outbreak in 1968 in Pontiac, Michigan.

It is a milder form of legionellosis than Legionnaire disease which is caused by the same bacterium.

See also: Legionella; Legionellosis (Legionnaire Disease and Pontiac Fever); Legionnaire disease.