Legionella Testing Services

Las Vegas, Nevada, April 20, 2023

Last month, the Southern Nevada Health District announced it was investigating two cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported in guests who stayed separately at an off-strip Las Vegas resort back in December 2022 and January 2023. According to the agency, the hotel is assisting in the investigation and taking steps to notify current and past guests dating back to December 16, 2022.

A Health District news release on the situation stated:

In response to the initial illness reports, the Health District conducted an environmental study of the facility, including water sampling and the facility arranged for additional environmental testing of its water system. Facility testing results did indicate the presence of Legionella bacteria. To help prevent additional people from becoming sick the hotel has begun implementing remediation procedures and a proactive water management plan. 

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.

“Preventing exposure is important as 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 water management programs to mitigate Legionella exposure risks are so imperative to help prevent outbreaks and fatalities. At EMSL, we offer rapid PCR and Whole Genome Sequencing methods, as well as traditional culturing methods, to identify the bacteria from environmental samples to support proactive water management programs. If an outbreak has already occurred, testing can help to locate the source of the Legionella to prevent additional infections and to confirm remediation and disinfection efforts have been successful.” 

A number of EMSL’s laboratories have received the CDC’s Certificate of Proficiency from its Elite Program for Legionella testing and some are also NYSDOH ELAP Legionella certified. To learn more about Legionella 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.