Increased rainfall is associated with increased risk for legionellosis

Legionnaires' disease (LD) is caused by Legionella species, most of which live in water. The Mid-Atlantic region experienced a sharp rise in LD in 2003 coinciding with a period of record-breaking rainfall. To investigate a possible relationship, we analysed the association between monthly legionellosis incidence and monthly rainfall totals from January 1990 to December 2003 in five Mid-Atlantic states. Using negative binomial model a I-cm increase in rainfall was associated with a 2.6 % (RR 1.026, 95 % CI 1.012-1.040) increase in legionellosis incidence. The average monthly rainfall from May to September 1990-2002 was 10.4 cm compared to 15.7 cm from May to September 2003. This change in rainfall corresponds to an increased risk for legionellosis of approximately 14.6 % (RR 1.146, 95 % CI 1.067-1.231). Legionellosis incidence increased during periods of increased rainfall; identification of mechanisms that increase exposure and transmission of Legionella during rainfall might lead to opportunities for prevention.