Microbiology Testing

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Cinnaminson, New Jersey, October 19, 2023

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) announced last month that it was investigating a possible cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in residents of municipalities across Passaic County and Bergen County. The agency was also encouraging residents who develop symptoms suggestive of Legionnaires’ disease to seek medical evaluation.

 

According to the NJDOH news release:

As of August 4, NJDOH has been notified of nine confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease among individuals residing in neighboring Passaic County municipalities, along with one additional case in a neighboring Bergen County municipality. The onset of symptoms for these cases occurred between May 27 and August 1, 2023. Reports were submitted to NJDOH between June 6 and August 4, 2023.

 

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 knogwn 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.

 

“It was reported that there was an uptick in cases last winter in this same region,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Since Legionnaires' disease can be fatal in up to 10% of diagnosed cases, taking proactive measures to test manmade water systems, as part of a water management program to detect Legionella exposure risks, can be an important step in preventing illnesses, outbreaks and fatalities. If an outbreak has already occurred, rapid test methods can be instrumental for identifying the source of the bacteria to prevent others from becoming infected.”

 

With laboratories in New Jersey and across North America, EMSL Analytical offers traditional culturing methods, and rapid PCR and Whole Genome Sequencing methods to identify environmental sources of Legionella. 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 or 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.