what organism is found in freshwater habitats and can infect a person if they inhale mist or droplets?

The organism found in freshwater habitats that can infect a person when they inhale mist or droplets is the bacterium Legionella. Legionella naturally occurs in freshwater environments such as lakes and streams but becomes a health risk when it grows in human-made water systems. People contract Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever by breathing in small water droplets or mist containing Legionella bacteria. This is the most common mode of infection. Legionella does not typically spread from person to person. Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila, which is responsible for most cases. Pontiac fever is a milder illness also caused by Legionella. Risk factors for infection include older age, smoking, and weakened immune systems. The bacteria thrive in warm water environments and can spread through various water systems like cooling towers, hot tubs, fountains, and plumbing systems. Overall, Legionella bacteria in freshwater become dangerous when aerosolized in mist or droplets and inhaled by humans, leading to infection.