noun
Legionnaires' disease
Medical term for the bacterial pneumonia caused by Legionella species. The Japanese name literally means 'veterans' disease', referencing the 1976 outbreak at an American Legion convention.
在郷軍人病はレジオネラ菌によって引き起こされる感染症です。
Legionnaires' disease is an infectious disease caused by Legionella bacteria.
レジオネラ症 is a broader term that includes both Legionnaires' disease (pneumonia) and Pontiac fever (a milder flu-like illness). 在郷軍人病 specifically refers to the severe pneumonic form.
Calque from English 'Legionnaires' disease'. 在郷軍人 (veteran, ex-soldier) + 病 (disease). The term originated from the 1976 outbreak at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia.