Press Releases at EMSL

During the first week of September, two patients were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease at a hospital in Washington. One patient was released from the hospital, but the other patient died while being treated at the hospital.

Legionnaire’s disease is an illness caused by aerosolized water containing Legionella bacteria is inhaled or aspirated. Cooling towers, along with other water sources like hot tubs and potable water systems, are sources of the bacteria. 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.

“It is recommended that all public buildings and healthcare facilities follow the ASHRAE 188 Standard, adopted in June 2015 for preventing Legionellosis in buildings,” said Diane Miskowski, MPH, National Legionella Program Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Building owners should prepare a building water management plan to assess the potential exposure and health risks of Legionellosis. Validation of the plan should be confirmed through regular Legionella testing.”

To help prevent cases of Legionnaires’ disease, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers Legionella testing services and sampling supplies at its 14 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 (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 email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

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.