Orlando, FL, February 1st, 2016
In early January, a hospital located in Orlando, Florida tested positive for Legionella earlier this January. A patient at the hospital was discovered to be infected by Legionella. Testing was done to confirm Legionella was in the hospital’s water source. According to hospital officials, the water system was then cleaned by an outside company.
Legionella is a type of bacteria that is commonly found naturally in water and can occur either in the environment or in manmade environments. Past outbreaks have been associated with cooling towers, hot tubs, hot water tanks, plumbing systems and decorative fountains. When aerosolized water containing Legionella is inhaled or aspirated, it can cause Legionnaires’ disease. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, chills and coughing. Those generally considered to be at a higher risk include the elderly, current or former smokers, those with chronic lung disease and those with a weak immune system due to other diseases or because of prescription drugs that suppress the immune system.
“As of June 2015, the ASHRAE 188 Standard for preventing Legionellosis in buildings was adopted,” said Diane Miskowski, MPH, National Legionella Program Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It is recommended that owners of all healthcare facilities and public buildings prepare a building water management plan to assess the potential exposure and health risk for Legionellosis. Validation of the plan should be confirmed by doing regular Legionella testing.”
To help prevent cases of Legionnaires’ disease, EMSL offers Legionella testing services and sampling supplies at its 13 CDC ELITE certified Legionella laboratories throughout North America. EMSL now offers a Legionella Pocket Guide to provide information about the bacteria and sampling techniques. To request a free copy of this guide, please click here.
To learn more about Legionella and our testing services, please visit www.LegionellaTesting.com or for service questions, please contact EMSL’s Diane Miskowski, MPH, for expert information at 1-800-220-3675 extension 2528.
To view a complete list of EMSL’s laboratory locations, accreditations and capabilities, please visit www.EMSL.com. For more information about EMSL’s testing services please call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.