Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Linked to Hospital Fountain

An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Wisconsin has been linked to a decorative water wall in a hospital lobby, reports the Washington Post. A study published this week indicated that eight people contracted the life-threatening illness in 2010 after they walked by the water wall. None of the individuals were patients at the hospital at that time.
 
Even with regular cleaning, says the Washington Post, these water walls can still accumulate Legionella bacteria and pose a significant threat to people’s health.
 
Legionnaires’ disease is a very serious form of pneumonia that results in long term health effects or a flu-like illness called Pontiac Fever. Most individuals become infected by inhaling Legionella bacteria in the air; it is not spread from person to person. The bacteria spread through mist or vapor from contaminated water in hot tubs, cooling towers, faucets, showerheads, and other water systems. A current or previous smoking habit, chronic lung disease, age (usually 50 years or older), and the use of certain rheumatoid arthritis and chemotherapy drugs can increase the risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease.
 
“EMSL Analytical is an industry leader in Legionella testing,” states EMSL’s Business Development Manager, Diane Miskowski, MPH. “Clients can be assured of EMSL’s accuracy, as we have proudly passed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation (ELITE) Program in our Cinnaminson, NJ; Houston, TX; San Leandro, CA; and Manhattan laboratories.”
 
To learn more about EMSL’s Legionella and other IAQ testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com, or call Diane Miskowski at (800) 220-3675 x 2528.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of quality environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading regulatory organizations, as well as state and federal agencies. 
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior VP of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com