The NJDOH Investigates Cluster of Legionnaires’ Disease Cases in a New Jersey County

Last month, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) announced it was investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in one of NJ’s counties. The department stated it was aware of 14 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease among individuals who lived in or spent time in the county. All the suspected cases were reported to NJDOH in February of 2021, and tragically, included one fatality.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by a bacterium known as Legionella, that occurs in water. While the bacterium can be found naturally in the environment, it can also be detected in some manmade sources that include cooling towers, potable water systems, hot tubs, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains. Exposure can occur by inhalation of contaminated water from a building’s water system that is not adequately maintained. As a result, people could become infected with the disease caused by Legionella.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that Legionnaires’ disease is deadly for approximately 1 in 10 people who contract it,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This makes it a significant risk for vulnerable populations and is why the agency states that buildings may need a water management program to reduce the risk for Legionnaires’ disease. In fact, 9 in 10 CDC investigations show that almost all outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease were caused by problems preventable with more effective water management.”

The scientific staff at EMSL are often asked to support the identification of Legionella in water sources through various testing programs the laboratory offers. With over 20 of EMSL’s laboratories having received a certificate of proficiency from the CDC’s ELITE Program for Legionella testing, another five locations are NYSDOH ELAP Legionella certified laboratories. Additionally, an educational video that is sponsored by EMSL about Legionella and monitoring building water, can be seen at: https://youtu.be/F_Ggg_uaL_s.

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 is one of the leading testing laboratories 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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