Hotel Temporarily Closes to Investigate Potential Sources of an Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease

Earlier this summer, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that a number of guests that stayed at an Atlanta hotel have been treated for Legionnaires’ disease. The outbreak caused the evacuation and a temporary closure of the hotel as environmental professionals sought to determine the source of the bacteria that causes the disease. The international hotel chain that operates the property announced the facility will be closed for nearly a month according to a report from WSBTV.

Legionnaires’ disease can occur if people breathe in a mist or water droplets that have been contaminated with Legionella bacteria. This type of bacteria is naturally-occurring in the environment, but can sometimes also grow and spread in manmade water systems. While most people exposed to Legionella do not become ill, there are certain groups that are more likely to become seriously ill when infected. These include individuals who are 65 years of age or older, smokers, people with chronic lung disease, and individuals with a weakened immune system.

“The Georgia Department of Public Health recently provided information about the outbreak and shared the fact that case reports of the disease have increased in the state over the past several years, which is consistent with national trends,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Proactive testing of water systems and other places the bacteria could be found can help prevent outbreaks and is essential for determining the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred.”

Many of the leading scientists that work to identify these types of exposure risks are found at EMSL Analytical, Inc. The environmental testing company has a laboratory in the Atlanta area and dozens more across the United States and Canada. EMSL offers traditional culturing methods, rapid PCR and Whole Genome Sequencing test methods to identify Legionella from all types of environmental samples. Over 20 of EMSL’s laboratories have received the CDC’s Certificate of Proficiency from the agency’s ELITE Program for Legionella testing; another five locations are 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 46 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.

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