An Outbreak of Pontiac Fever with Respiratory Distress among Workers Performing High‐Pressure Cleaning at a Sugar‐Beet Processing Plant

Abstract

Outbreak features were consistent with Pontiac fever. Respiratory symptoms, which are atypical for Pontiac fever, could be attributed to a high exposure dose of L. pneumophila from confined-space aerosolization or to endotoxin exposure. This outbreak demonstrates the potential occupational hazards for those performing high-pressure cleaning in confined spaces.