School District in Florida Temporarily Moves Students after Teacher Succumbs to Legionnaires’ Disease

Recently, multiple media outlets reported on the death of an elementary school teacher in Pinellas County due to Legionnaire’s disease. The local school district and department of health are investigating possible sources of the Legionella bacteria that caused the death. Students from the building where she taught have also been temporarily moved to other locations.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia. The bacteria can also cause a less severe illness known as Pontiac fever. While the bacteria can be found naturally in freshwater environments, it becomes a health concern if it grows and spreads in man-made building water systems. This is due to the fact that water containing Legionella can spread in droplets small enough for people to inhale.

“Building water systems and devices listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention where Legionell a could grow and spread include showerheads and sink faucets, cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative fountains and water features, hot water tanks and heaters, and large plumbing systems,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Tragically, as this case illustrates, Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal.”

To support proactive water management programs or to identify the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred, EMSL Analytical offers rapid PCR and Whole Genome Sequencing methods, as well as traditional culturing methods, to identify Legionella from environmental samples. These same tests can be utilized to confirm remediation and disinfection efforts have been successful after the discovery of the bacteria. EMSL has a Legionella testing laboratory in Florida and a number of their laboratories have received the CDC’s Certificate of Proficiency from its Elite Program for Legionella testing. Some are also NYSDOH ELAP Legionella certified.

To spread awareness of potential Legionella exposure risks, EMSL has sponsored an educational video that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/ZP9AotQ2_gE

To learn more about Legionella or other infection control 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