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Illinois Department of Public Health Investigates Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease Linked to a Chicago Area Gym

Legionella Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	7/19/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Illinois Department of Public Health Investigates Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease Linked to a Chicago Area Gym
Introduction	EMSL Analytical provides rapid PCR and traditional culturing methods to identify the microbial pathogen that causes Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever from environmental samples.
Hillside, Illinois, July 19, 2023 The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently reported that at least two cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to a gym in Niles, Illinois. As part of a national chain, the gym temporarily closed its pool, steam room, hot tub, and showers as a precautionary measure as both individuals who developed the disease reported using those facilities. Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia, is caused by inhalation exposure to Legionella bacteria, usually in water droplets. The bacteria can grow and amplify in building water systems and become a serious health concern as the disease can be fatal in about 10% of cases according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease have been associated with a number of fitness centers over the years,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Past outbreaks of the disease have been linked 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 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, with a laboratory in Illinois and dozens more across North America, offers rapid PCR and Whole Genome Sequencing methods, as well as traditional culturing methods, to identify Legionella from environmental samples. 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 and to request sampling supplies, 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.