Legionella Testing Services

Atlanta, Georgia, February 6, 2023

In December, multiple media outlets reported that the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) was investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases. According to news reports, the outbreak is linked to a condominium complex in Baldwin County.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia that can result when people inhale water droplets or mists containing Legionella bacteria. Exposure to Legionella can also cause a less severe condition known as Pontiac fever. Legionella is found naturally in freshwater environments, but can become a serious health concern if it grows and spreads in building water systems.

Prevention and control strategies suggested by ADPH include the following:

• The key to preventing Legionnaires' disease is facility maintenance of the water systems in which Legionella grows, including drinking water systems, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and cooling towers.
• Ensure water systems are kept at the appropriate water temperatures and chemically treated.
• Healthcare facilities, like hospitals and assisted living facilities, should have a Legionella prevention plan that includes testing, and short-term and long-term remediation plans for the plumbing and hydrotherapy systems.
• Public places like hotels, casinos and splash parks with water features, decorative pools and hot tubs should have a recreational water treatment plan including regularly scheduled testing, cleaning and treatment.
• Persons at increased risk of infection may choose to avoid high-risk exposures, like being in or near a hot tub or decorative fountains and breathing in the mist. 

“CDC reports that Legionnaires' disease can be fatal in up to 10% of diagnosed cases,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This is why proactive preventive measures and identifying the source of an outbreak is critical to prevent new cases. Water testing, as suggested by ADPH, is a key component of mitigating exposure risks. At EMSL Analytical, we offer environmental testing services utilizing traditional culturing methods, and rapid PCR and Whole Genome Sequencing methods to support these efforts. A number of our laboratories have received the CDC’s Certificate of Proficiency from its Elite Program for Legionella testing and some of them are also NYSDOH ELAP Legionella certified.”

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 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, VOCs, 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 EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA 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.