Hotels in Puerto Rico and Across the Caribbean have Access to Resources to Prevent Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ Disease

Earlier this year, a major hotel in Atlanta voluntarily closed its doors while an investigation into an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease among hotel guests took place. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), there were at least 11 lab-confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease and 55 probable cases of Legionnaires’ disease related to the outbreak. 
 
As reported by DPH, Legionella bacteria are found naturally in the environment, usually in fresh water. The bacteria grow best in warm water and can sometimes be found in shower heads and faucets, hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, decorative fountains or plumbing systems in large buildings. People can get Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in small droplets of water in the air that contain the bacteria. Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick, but people 50 years or older, current or former smokers, people with chronic lung disease or weak immune systems may be at increased risk of getting sick.
 
“This large hotel in the heart of Atlanta temporarily closed its doors so an investigation could be conducted to find the source of the Legionella bacteria and eliminate the threat to prevent additional guests and even workers from becoming ill,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “There have also been a number of other hotels across the country that have dealt with outbreaks and temporary closures this year. The damage to people’s health and business reputations, not to mention the costs associated with lost business and legal fees incurred in these types of situations can be devastating.”
 
Working proactively to identify potential Legionella exposure risks in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean are the environmental and building science experts from Zimmetry Environmental. They offer consulting services to develop and manage water management programs along with comprehensive Legionella testing services that are an essential part of a proactive plan. Zimmetry also provides access to rapid PCR testing techniques that can help to pinpoint the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred.  
 
To learn more about Zimmetry’s air, water, environmental, occupational, 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.
 

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Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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