Another Hot Tub in Washington Linked to Legionnaires’ Disease

Just a few months after KEPR published a report about several members of a popular gym being diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease that was linked to a hot tub at the facility, it appears there has been another hot tub related outbreak in the state. According to a recent article from the Yakima Herald-Republic, two men have come down with the disease from an athletic club. The report states that the hot tub in the men’s locker room tested positive for the bacteria that causes the disease.

Anyone can get Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in a mist or water droplets that have been contaminated with Legionella bacteria, but certain groups of people are more likely to become seriously ill when infected. These groups include individuals who are 65 years of age or older, smokers, people with chronic lung disease and individuals with a weakened immune system.

“Warm water is a natural breeding ground for Legionella,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This is why hot tubs that are not cleaned and disinfected properly can become contaminated with the bacteria. Bubbling water and splashing activities that commonly occur when hot tubs are in use can facilitate inhaling contaminated water droplets resulting in the spread of the disease.”

Proactive testing of hot tubs and other common Legionella sources, such as cooling towers, plumbing systems and decorative water features, can help prevent outbreaks of this potentially fatal disease. Testing is also necessary to pinpoint the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred and to confirm water treatment actions are effective. To help in these situations, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers traditional culturing methods and advanced PCR and DNA sequencing test methods. EMSL provides all of the sampling supplies necessary and has twenty laboratories that have received the CDC’s Certificate of Proficiency from the agency’s Elite Program for Legionella testing. In addition, five locations are NYSDOH ELAP Legionella certified laboratories. EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about Legionnaires’ disease and hot tubs that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/lBfPbvY3veo.

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, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 43 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