Legionella Testing Laboratory

Orlando, FL, March 23^rd , 2020

The Federal Bureau of Prisons recently announced that some female prisoners at a low security correctional institution in Central Florida have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. The outbreak occurred at a federal correctional complex and according to media reports, at least a dozen inmates have had to go to the hospital for treatment.

An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in correctional facilities also occurred recently in California. In 2019, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) reported that Legionnaires’ disease was confirmed at a California Health Care Facility (CHCF). CHCF provides medical care and mental health treatment to inmates who have severe and long term needs. According to the CDCR, a patient from the CHCF passed away at an outside hospital and post-death analysis confirmed the presence of Legionella in the patient. In addition, another inmate patient also tested positive last year and received care.

“Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever are both caused by inhalation exposure to Legionella bacteria, usually in water droplets,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Legionnaires' disease can be fatal in up to 10% of diagnosed cases according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Past outbreaks have been associated with plumbing systems, cooling towers, hot tubs, hot water tanks and even decorative fountains. Taking proactive measures to test manmade water systems, as part of a water management program to detect Legionella exposure risks, can help to prevent illnesses, outbreaks and fatalities. If an outbreak has already occurred, testing can be instrumental for identifying the source of the bacteria to prevent others from developing the disease.”

EMSL Analytical, Inc., with locations in Florida, California and across the United States and Canada, offer traditional culturing methods, and rapid PCR and Whole Genome Sequencing test methods to identify Legionella from all types of environmental samples. Over twenty of the company’s laboratories have received the CDC’s Certificate of Proficiency from its Elite Program for Legionella testing, another five locations are NYSDOH ELAP Legionella certified laboratories.

To learn more about Legionella or other microbial testing services, please visit www.LegionellaTesting.com or www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.