Press Releases at EMSL

During routine inspections of the water supply systems at a New York City hospital, Legionella was detected. As of August, only one patient has contracted Legionnaires’ disease, an illness associated with the bacteria Legionella.

Legionella is a bacteria found naturally in surface water, ground water and soil. It can also be found in manmade environments. Legionnaires’ disease occurs when aerosolized water containing Legionella is inhaled or aspirated. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, chills and coughing. 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 are more at risk for contracting the disease.

“It is commonly thought that Legionnaires’ disease is rare, but it is not,” said Diane Miskowski, MPH, National Legionella Program Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Under ASHRAE 188, it is recommended that all health care facilities have a Legionella Water Safety Plan and validate that plan with regular Legionella testing.”

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is North America's leading Legionella laboratory with 14 CDC ELITE proficient locations, including three in the state of New York, and has the capability to handle large analysis requests resulting from outbreaks. EMSL's Manhattan, Carle Place and Buffalo laboratories have received their interim ELAP certification for Legionella testing in the state of New York. EMSL’s corporate headquarters in Cinnaminson, New Jersey is also New York State Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NYDOH ELAP) certified.

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.