Legionnaires’ Disease Discovered in Patients at California Health Care Facility

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) reported that Legionnaires’ disease was confirmed at a California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton. CHCF provides medical care and mental health treatment to inmates who have severe and long term needs.

According to the CDCR, a patient from the CHCF recently passed away at an outside hospital and post-death analysis confirmed the presence of Legionella in the patient. In addition to the patient who tested positive in the hospital, another patient tested positive and was receiving treatment at CHCF. As the source of the Legionella bacteria that causes the disease was investigated, CHCF provided bottled water for drinking and hygienic functions, halted the use of any aerosolizing equipment, shutting down the use of showers in specific areas and provided education to both staff and patients.

Legionella is found naturally in the environment and in manmade environments, usually in water. Legionnaires’ disease can occur when people breathe in small droplets of water that contain the bacteria. Past outbreaks have been associated with plumbing systems, cooling towers, hot tubs, hot water tanks and even decorative fountains.

“The presence of Legionella in California’s correction system has occurred before,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “In 2015, six inmates at San Quentin State Prison were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. Quickly identifying the source of the bacteria is essential for stopping these types of outbreaks. PCR test methods exist that can give results in one day, but they do not indicate if the bacteria are alive or not. It is an excellent analytical method for rapid results, but traditional culturing methods remain the gold standard and the two testing methods can be used effectively together. At LA Testing we offer these analytical services and all of the sampling supplies necessary to help protect all residents of California.”

To learn more about Legionella or other aquatic and airborne pathogen testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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