Environmental Professionals in Puerto Rico Help to Prevent Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ Disease

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires’ disease each year.  However, it is believed that many infections are not diagnosed or reported, so this number is likely much higher.
 
People can develop this potentially fatal disease by breathing in a mist or vapor that has been contaminated with a type of bacteria known as Legionella.  The bacteria are found naturally in the environment, usually in water. Legionella grows best in warm water, like the kind found in hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, decorative fountains, large plumbing systems, or parts of the air-conditioning systems of large buildings.
 
For many people who develop Legionnaires’ disease, the symptoms are often similar to many other forms of pneumonia. Signs of the disease can include fever, chills and a cough. Some people may also suffer from muscle aches and headaches.  A milder infection caused by the same type of bacteria is known as Pontiac Fever. The symptoms of Pontiac Fever usually last for 2 to 5 days and may also include fever, headaches and muscle aches; however, there is no pneumonia.
 
“People who are at greatest risk of developing the condition include those over 50, current and former smokers, anyone with a weak immune system, and people who are taking medications to suppress their immune system,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “Plumbing systems, cooling towers and anywhere that mists or vapors may be generated in or near a building could put people at risk.  Outbreaks have occurred in hotels, cruise ships, hospitals and nursing homes among other locations.  At Zimmetry, we offer water and air testing services to identify if Legionella is present.  This information can help prevent an outbreak or pinpoint the location of the bacteria if an outbreak has already occurred.”
 
To learn more about Zimmetry’s air, environmental and compliance testing and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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