Indianapolis, IN, May 28
th, 2021
In April, an NBC-affiliated television station published a report about a health and fitness facility in Indianapolis that temporarily closed its doors after several of its members were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. According to the news story, the source of the
Legionella bacteria was unknown, but the location was shut down to allow time to test the facility, just in case.
Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease have been associated with fitness centers in the past.
Legionella bacteria can grow and multiply in human-made water sources in any building. These include cooling towers, potable water systems, hot tubs, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains.
People can develop the disease if they inhale contaminated water from a building water system or water source that is not adequately maintained. Fortunately, most healthy people do not contract Legionnaires’ disease after being exposed to
Legionella. Being 50 years or older, or having certain risk factors, can increase one’s chance of getting sick. Other risk factors listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include:
- Being a current or former smoker
- Having chronic lung diseases, such as emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Having a weakened immune system from diseases like cancer, diabetes, or kidney failure
- Taking medication that weakens the immune system
“Legionella can grow quickly in certain water temperatures, so being proactive with controls and testing of water systems and sources is instrumental,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we provide environmental testing services for Legionella or if an outbreak has occurred, we can test to pinpoint the source of the outbreak. Over twenty of our laboratories have received the CDC’s Certificate of Proficiency from its ELITE Program for Legionella testing and 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 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.