Category |
Press Release |
Publish Date |
9/9/2016 |
Author |
Jennifer Mazonas |
Title |
New Case of Legionnaires’ Disease Reported in Michigan |
Introduction |
EMSL Analytical offers Legionella testing services to help identify and prevent outbreaks. |
Ann Arbor, MI, September 9 th, 2016
In September, a new case of Legionnaires’ disease was reported in Genesse County, Michigan. This is the seventh individual in the county this year to contract Legionnaires’ disease. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is working with the hospital where the case was reported to identify the source of Legionella.
Legionella is a type of bacteria naturally found in surface water, ground water and soil. It can also be found in the biofilm that forms inside the pipes of building water systems. 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.
“A degradation in water quality that may result from a source water change, power outages that affect water treatment, loss of biocides used to treat drinking water, water main flushing, and other water supply interruptions may increase the risk of exposure to Legionella,” said Diane Miskowski, MPH, National Legionella Program Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Legionella related illnesses like Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac Fever should not be considered as rare occurrences. These diseases are preventable by understanding the ecology of the organism, identifying groups of people who are most at risk of contracting the disease, identifying those groups of at risk people who may lack basic medical care, and by monitoring for the bacteria to get a better understanding of who is exposed.”
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 and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.
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