Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreaks Cause Concerns

EMSL Analytical provides Legionella testing solutions to help prevent outbreaks of the deadly disease caused by the waterborne bacteria.

Cinnaminson, NJ

The International Conference on Emerging Diseases recently reported that water-related diseases cost the healthcare system as much as $539 million each year. This alarming figure comes on the heels of several outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease across the country.

In the last month it was reported that at least 31 people became ill at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Michigan. Six of the sick people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease from the July 12th to the 24th outbreak at the base. Another case of the disease was recently reported after two people became ill in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi.

Illness from Legionella can take up to two weeks before symptoms appear and individuals often show flu-like symptoms. Death can result in 5% to 30% of those infected. According to a July 14 press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Inpatient hospitalization costs per case averaged more than $34,000 for Legionnaires’ disease.”

The transmission of Legionella occurs via aerosols, when mist containing the bacteria is inhaled. The CDC states, “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.” One of the largest environmental laboratories in the country, EMSL Analytical, has developed a number of ongoing initiatives to educate environmental professionals and the general public about the organism that causes the disease. A dedicated website with more information can be found at www.LegionellaTesting.com.

“Legionnaires’ disease can be prevented,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President at EMSL Analytical. “At EMSL Analytical we have been offering cutting edge testing services and educational information to help the public and health professionals prevent future outbreaks.”

For more information on Legionella or other IAQ testing services and products provided by EMSL please call (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of 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.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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