E. coli Testing Services

Herndon, Virginia, July 18, 2024

Last month, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced an ongoing epidemiologic investigation into 25 probable and confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The infected include residents of Virginia and other states who were in the Lake Anna area on and after the Memorial Day weekend.

According to VDH:

Most cases (76%) have occurred in children younger than 18 years of age. Severe STEC infections can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can be particularly serious. To date, five HUS cases have been reported to VDH, all in children who required hospitalization.   

“VDH has stated that there is no indication that contaminated food was the source of the outbreak, rather all primary cases reported exposure to water at the lake,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This outbreak appears to be another example of recreational water illnesses, also known as RWIs. RWIs are spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or aerosols of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers or oceans. RWIs can also be caused by chemicals in the water or chemicals that turn into a gas and cause air quality problems at indoor aquatic facilities.”

To help prevent RWIs, or to identify the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred, EMSL Analytical offers laboratory testing services for microbial and chemical exposure concerns. They have a facility in Virginia, and dozens more located across North America that provide water and air testing services and sampling supplies. They have even sponsored an educational video about the Top 10 RWIs listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/8RMx9VtS2M0 

To learn more about environmental, health and safety testing resources, please visit 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.