Legionella Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, May 24, 2023

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) recently announced that it identified five people with Legionnaire’s disease. All had stayed at adjoining campgrounds in the state’s Lakes Region before coming down with the disease between early fall 2021 and January 2023. 

DHHS reported that DPHS and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) were actively investigating the outbreak to identify water system contamination and implement corrective actions to prevent further infections. Fortunately, all five individuals recovered after being hospitalized.

According to the DHHS announcement:

Legionella bacteria are a commonly occurring environmental bacteria that can contaminate water systems, and people become infected from inhaling aerosolized water droplets contaminated with the bacteria. Sources of the aerosolized water droplets can include showers, hot tubs, faucets, cooling towers, misters, and decorative fountains. 

“Just a few days after the report in New Hampshire, the New Jersey Department of Health shared it was investigating seven cases of Legionnaires’ disease that were reported between October 2022 and March 2023 in Mercer County,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In the New Jersey outbreak, tragically two individuals died. This is why preventing exposure to Legionella is so important considering Legionnaires' disease can be fatal in up to 10% of diagnosed cases.”

To support proactive water management programs or to identify the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred, EMSL Analytical offers rapid PCR and Whole Genome Sequencing methods, as well as traditional culturing methods, to identify Legionella from environmental samples. These same tests can also be utilized to confirm remediation and disinfection efforts have been successful after the discovery of the bacteria.

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 spread awareness of the potential risks of exposure to Legionella, EMSL has sponsored a new educational video that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/ZP9AotQ2_gE 

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.