Sonoma County Resident Dies after Contracting Legionnaires’ Disease

Recently, the Press Democrat published a story about the death of a Sonoma County woman who had been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. According to the report, there have been other cases of the severe form of pneumonia in the county, but it was the first recorded death in the area for 2017.

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a type of bacteria known as Legionella. Symptoms usually begin 2 to 14 days after exposure. Legionnaires’ disease can have symptoms similar to other forms of pneumonia, making it hard to diagnose. Signs of the disease may include a high fever, chills and coughing. In addition, some people may also suffer from muscle aches and headaches. Chest x-rays are often needed to find the pneumonia caused by the bacteria.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Each year, between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires’ disease in the U.S. However, many infections are not diagnosed or reported, so this number may be higher.” There is a 5% to 30% of mortality rate for those infected.

“This is not the only time Legionnaires’ disease recently made the news in California, late last year, there was an outbreak in Orange County,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Legionella is found naturally in the environment and can also be present in manmade environments, usually in water. Legionnaires’ disease can occur if people breathe in small droplets of water that contain the bacteria. Past outbreaks have been associated with plumbing systems, cooling towers, hot tubs, hot water tanks and even decorative fountains.”

To help prevent new cases of Legionnaires’ disease or to pinpoint the source of an existing outbreak, LA Testing offers environmental Legionella testing services and all of the supplies necessary to submit samples. Both rapid PCR and traditional culturing methods are available. 

To learn more about Legionella testing or other environmental, occupational, health and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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LA Testing

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