Increased Legionnaires’ Disease Rates in Connecticut Linked to River System and Watershed

Researchers have made a connection to areas in Connecticut that have been experiencing a higher occurrence of Legionnaires’ disease dating back to 1999 to the proximity of these locations to certain rivers and watersheds. The study, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, found an increased number of sporadic Legionnaires’ disease cases were related to elevated rainfall and greater stream flow. Researchers concluded that their findings confirmed a possible link between weather conditions and the incidence of Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionella is commonly found in a variety of natural and building water sources. Exposure occurs when it is aerosolized and then inhaled or aspirated by susceptible individuals. Symptoms of Legionellosis vary, including fever, chills, and coughing for Pontiac Fever to a very serious form of pneumonia with long term health effects for Legionnaires’ disease.

“EMSL Analytical, Inc. has been on the forefront of Legionella testing and works to maintain up-to-date certifications in order to provide quality Legionella analysis,” said Christopher Goulah, Ph.D., Legionella Technical Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL has 20 CDC ELITE proficient Legionella laboratories within its network, which spans across the United States and Canada.”

EMSL also performs quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) testing for Legionella at their corporate headquarters in Cinnaminson, New Jersey. They are the only commercial testing laboratory in the country that offers qPCR testing for L. pneumophila, L. pneumophila serotype 1 and Legionella spp. in one convenient test. They can also perform Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for outbreak source investigations involving all species and serotypes of Legionella.

As an added resource, EMSL supplies a free Legionella Pocket Guide that includes important information on the bacteria along with different sampling techniques. Click here to request a free copy. Additionally, EMSL offers a range of free webinars, including presentations about Legionella and other environmental topics. To view EMSL’s complete list of free webinars, please click here.

To view a complete list of EMSL’s Legionella laboratory locations, accreditations and capabilities, please visit www.legionellatesting.com. For service questions, please contact Christopher Goulah, Ph.D., for expert information at 716-651-0030 extension 1407. To view a complete list of laboratory locations within EMSL’s network along with accreditations and capabilities, please visit www.EMSL.com. To learn more, please email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 220-3675. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 40 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.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail