Legionnaires’ Disease is Not Just a Health Concern in New York City

Recently, it was announced that 12 victims of Legionnaires’ disease have died in New York. This news was in conjunction with reports that the number of infected people had also risen from 108 to 113.

While the media has focused most of their attention on this historic outbreak in the South Bronx, there have been others in New York and across the nation who have also been infected with Legionella in recent times. In May, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued an alert about an increase in the number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease taking place in Queens. According to the department, 10 cases were diagnosed from April to May involving residents of Queens. Just this month, a woman from the Cleveland area died due to complications from Legionnaires’ disease and a man from the area survived an infection he contracted in June.

“Most physicians believe that Legionnaires’ disease is a rare disease, but it’s not,” said Diane Miskowski, MPH, Legionella Program Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there has been a threefold increase in the incidence of Legionnaires’ disease since 2009. Due to the way Legionnaires’ disease is diagnosed, Legionnaires’ disease still remains under-reported in this country. This is not just a New York City public health concern.”

Legionella bacteria is spread to humans when they inhale contaminated droplets of water so it is important to test water sources that could harbor the bacteria. These include cooling towers, potable water systems, hot tubs, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems and decorative fountains to name a few sources that have been associated with outbreaks in the past.

As one of the largest Legionella testing laboratories in North America, EMSL Analytical, Inc. is on the frontline helping to prevent outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease by identifying sources of the bacteria. EMSL has made available a free Legionella Pocket Guide that can be found by clicking here. EMSL is also hosting a free Comprehensive Legionella webinar on Wednesday, September 16th. Click here to register today.

To learn more about Legionella testing services or to request sampling supplies, please visit www.LegionellaTesting.com or www.EMSL.com, email dmiskowski@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of indoor air quality, environmental 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.  
 

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EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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