Michigan County Reminds Residents of Warm Weather Legionella Risks

The Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) has published a reminder for its residents of the increased risk of Legionnaires’ disease with the arrival of warm summer temperatures. The county in Michigan has already had a number of reported cases of the potentially fatal disease.

Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Disease can occur when people breathe in small droplets of water that contain the bacteria.

The GCHD announcement reminded residents that Legionnaires’ disease can occur at any time of year, but more illnesses are reported in summer and early fall. The document also stated, “Legionella growth can occur in buildings or structures that have complex water systems, such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, hotels, and cruise ships, that are not managed adequately and where disinfectant levels are low, water is stagnant, or water temperatures are ideal for growth of Legionella. Proper maintenance and disinfection of the water systems in which Legionella grow, including hot tubs, hot water tanks, humidifiers, nebulizers, cooling towers, and decorative fountains, are the most effective measures in preventing Legionnaires’ disease. Cleaning, disinfecting, and maintenance should be done following manufacturer recommendations.”

“Simple proactive monitoring for Legionella in high risk environments could prevent many needless infections,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Testing is also instrumental for identifying the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred to prevent additional infections. At EMSL Analytical, Inc., we have laboratories in Michigan and throughout the United States and Canada that offer traditional culturing methods and advanced PCR and DNA sequencing test methods to rapidly identify Legionella.”

In addition to testing services, EMSL provides all of the sampling supplies necessary and is proud to have twenty laboratories that have received the CDC’s Certificate of Proficiency from the agency’s ELITE Program for Legionella testing. Another five locations are also NYSDOH ELAP Legionella certified laboratories.

To learn more about Legionella or other microbial testing services, 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 over 45 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, VOC’s, 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 general 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 listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail