Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease Sickens Dozens in Iowa

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) announced in early September that it was investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in north central Marshalltown. Since then, more than 70 illnesses and two deaths have been linked to the outbreak.

In response, Iowa HHS urged businesses and property owners to review their water management practices, particularly those with cooling towers, hot tubs, or fountains. Media reports indicate that cooling towers atop buildings are being closely examined as a potential source of Legionella bacteria. If not properly maintained, these towers used for air conditioning and refrigeration systems can release contaminated mist that spreads the disease.

“In response to outbreaks like this, EMSL Analytical offers a comprehensive suite of Legionella testing services through its network of laboratories, including several in the Midwest,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “We provide both traditional culture methods and rapid testing options such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and Whole Genome Sequencing to help identify contamination sources quickly and accurately to help prevent new cases of Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever.”

EMSL’s laboratories are recognized for their proficiency in Legionella detection. Many hold certifications from the CDC’s Elite Program, and select locations are also certified by the New York State Department of Health’s Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) for Legionella testing.

To raise public awareness about Legionella risks and prevention, EMSL sponsored an educational video available here: https://youtu.be/ZP9AotQ2_gE.

For more information on Legionella testing resources, 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 with 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, VOCs, 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