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Rising Legionnaires’ Disease Cases Highlight the Need for Proactive Water System Testing

Legionella Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	8/20/2026
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Rising Legionnaires’ Disease Cases Highlight the Need for Proactive Water System Testing
Introduction	EMSL Analytical supports North Carolina facilities with comprehensive Legionella detection solutions that include rapid PCR and traditional culture methods to analyze environmental samples.
Greensboro, North Carolina, August 20, 2026 Recent guidance from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services warns that cases of Legionnaires’ disease are increasing, underscoring the importance of water system management and testing. According to the agency, North Carolina reported 310 cases in 2025, up significantly from 201 cases in 2024, reflecting a growing public health concern. Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm, wet environments such as cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, plumbing systems, and other man-made water systems. Infection occurs when individuals inhale contaminated mist or vapor, making prevention and monitoring critical in both residential and commercial settings. In response to these rising risks, EMSL Analytical, Inc. is emphasizing the role of routine testing and water management programs to help prevent outbreaks. With multiple laboratories located throughout North Carolina, EMSL provides fast, reliable Legionella testing services designed to support building owners, facility managers, healthcare institutions, and industrial clients. “Effective Legionella control starts with awareness and routine monitoring,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “As cases increase, it is essential that facilities take steps to assess their water systems and reduce potential exposure risks. At EMSL, we offer a full range of solutions, including laboratory analysis of water samples, convenient sampling supplies, and easy-to-use test kits that allow for efficient on-site collection. These services help organizations identify contamination early and implement corrective actions before conditions escalate.” For more information about EMSL’s Legionella testing resources, 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 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 list of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.