Legionella Found in a Florida Hospital’s Water

Earlier in January, a hospital located in Orlando, Florida tested positive for Legionella. Testing was conducted after a patient was discovered to be infected by Legionella. According to hospital officials, the water system has been flushed by an outside company. 

Legionella is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in water and can occur naturally in the environment or in manmade environments. When aerosolized water containing Legionella is inhaled or aspirated, it can cause Legionnaires’ disease. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, chills and coughing.   Past outbreaks have been associated with plumbing systems, cooling towers, hot tubs, hot water tank and decorative fountains. 

“As of June 2015, the ASHRAE 188 Standard for preventing Legionellosis in buildings was adopted,” said Diane Miskowski, MPH, National Legionella Program Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It is recommended that owners of all healthcare facilities and public buildings prepare a building water management plan to assess the potential exposure and health risk for Legionellosis. Validation of the plan should be confirmed by doing regular Legionella testing.” 

To help prevent cases of Legionnaires’ disease, EMSL offers Legionella testing services and sampling supplies at its 13 CDC ELITE certified Legionella laboratories throughout North America. EMSL now offers a Legionella Pocket Guide to provide information about the bacteria and sampling techniques. To request a free copy of this guide, please click here. 

To learn more about Legionella and our testing services, please visit www.LegionellaTesting.com or for service questions, please contact EMSL’s Diane Miskowski, MPH, for expert information at 1-800-220-3675 extension 2528.  

To view a complete list of EMSL’s laboratory locations, accreditations and capabilities, please visit www.EMSL.com. For more information about EMSL’s testing services please call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for 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

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 8563032503

Contact via E-mail