Hotel Temporarily Closes Hot Tub After Several Guests Develop Legionnaires’ Disease

Last month, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) began an investigation into multiple cases of Legionnaires’ disease associated with a Minnesota county hotel. Two laboratory-confirmed cases have been identified so far among people from unrelated groups who were at the hotel and spent time in the pool/hot tub area around the last weekend of June. Both individuals required hospitalization and MDH states that there are reports of additional people who are experiencing illnesses that might be Legionnaires’ disease.

According to the MDH news release:

MDH investigators are working with the hotel to further determine what the source of the Legionella bacteria might be. At this time, early evidence and past experience suggests the source of the infections might be the hotel’s spa (hot tub). The hotel shut down the spa for maintenance on June 29, and the pool area is closed to guests at this time. MDH staff are working with hotel staff on recommendations to clean and decontaminate the spa and pool area.

“When outbreaks occur in a hotel, one of the common sources of Legionella bacteria is from hot tubs,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The bacteria grow well in warm water and if a person inhales contaminated water droplets or mists, they could become infected. Common symptoms listed by MDH include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, chills, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and coughing. Tragically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 10 people that get the disease die, and this figure increases to 1 in 4 for those who contract it during a stay in a healthcare facility. Therefore, testing for Legionella is so important, especially for vulnerable populations.”

EMSL has a laboratory in Minnesota and dozens more across the United States and Canada. They offer traditional culturing methods and rapid PCR and Whole Genome Sequencing test methods to identify Legionella from environmental samples. Over twenty of EMSL’s laboratories have received the CDC’s Certificate of Proficiency from the agency’s Elite Program for Legionella testing and another five locations are NYSDOH ELAP Legionella certified laboratories.

EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about Legionella and spas that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/PDbBGKCi7Nc.

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 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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