Legionnaires’ Disease Cases Reported in Quebec Caused by Occupational Soil Exposure to Legionella

According to an article in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Emerging Infectious Disease Report, two cases of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) occurred one month apart in the same area of Quebec during the summer of 2015. Both patients were hospitalized in intensive care. Lab tests from sputum samples revealed an infection caused by Legionella longbeache. An investigation into the environment of both individuals revealed that both patients worked at the same metal recycling facility. Soil samples taken around the metal recycling facility revealed that the soil contained L. longbeachae.

“L. longbeachae is highly adapted to the soil and is typically transmitted from potting soils and compost,” said Diane Miskowski, MPH, Legionella Program Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “LD outbreaks from this species are routinely monitored in Australia where many outbreaks annually are identified from exposure to potting soil. EMSL Analytical testing of commercial potting soil and compost has identified many types of Legionella species, so it was just a matter of time until this link was identified in North America.”

EMSL Analytical, Inc. has 15 CDC ELITE certified laboratories that perform culture and PCR testing for Legionella including a lab in Toronto, Canada. EMSL Montreal is pursuing regional Legionella certification through du Programme d’accréditation des laboratoires d’analyse (PALA). To learn more about Legionella and our testing services, please visit www.LegionellaTesting.com. For service questions, please contact EMSL’s Diane Miskowski, MPH, for expert information at 1-800-220-3675 extension 2528.

To view a complete list of EMSL’s laboratory locations, accreditations and capabilities, please visit www.EMSLCanada.ca. For more information about EMSL’s testing services, please call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Canada, Inc.

EMSL Canada is an internationally recognized provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Canada, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

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