CDC Guidance for Vacation Rental Owners to Reduce Legionella Risks

EMSL Analytical, Inc., the nation’s leading provider of Legionella testing services and sampling supplies, is encouraging vacation rental owners and property managers to follow recently published guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease in short-term rental properties.

The CDC guidance outlines practical steps to help prevent Legionella growth in building water systems and water features commonly found in rental properties. Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia that occurs when people inhale small water droplets contaminated with the bacteria.

Travel-associated cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to overnight stays in hotels, private homes, and vacation rentals. According to the CDC, roughly 1 in 10 people who develop Legionnaires’ disease die from the infection, highlighting the importance of preventive measures.

Potential exposure sources in vacation rentals include hot tubs, faucets, showerheads, and decorative fountains, particularly where warm temperatures, stagnant water, and low disinfectant levels allow Legionella to grow.

“Short-term rental properties can experience periods of low occupancy that lead to stagnant water in plumbing systems,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Testing for Legionella and implementing sound water management practices can help property owners identify risks early and take steps to protect guests, staff, and their business reputation.”

CDC recommendations for vacation rental operators include maintaining proper disinfectant and pH levels in hot tubs, flushing faucets and showerheads after periods of inactivity, cleaning fixtures and replacing filters regularly, and maintaining water heaters at safe temperatures to limit bacterial growth.

EMSL Analytical supports these public health recommendations by offering comprehensive Legionella laboratory testing services to help property managers, consultants, and public health professionals monitor building water systems. EMSL also provides Legionella sampling kits, training resources, and technical support for evaluating water systems in hospitality and residential rental properties.

For more information about EMSL’s Legionella testing services and sampling supplies, 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

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail