Legionella Testing

Huntington Beach, CA, September 27, 2023

Last month, Contra Costa Health (CCH) announced it was investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease that is potentially linked to visits to a day spa in Richmond, California. Two deaths and a third person that recovered from the infection are part of the investigation.

According to CCH, the people that died had both reportedly visited the spa just days prior to the onset of their illnesses. The individual that recovered had used the hot tub at the spa. Environmental health inspectors from CCH conducted an assessment of the facility and found no existing records indicating the business has ever been issued a permit for a spa or pool so the business was closed.

CCH is encouraging anyone who may have recently visited the spa to watch for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease. If they experience shortness of breath, fever, chills and cough, they should seek immediate medical care. The agency also strongly advises healthcare providers to test for Legionella in patients with pneumonia who have visited the spa within two weeks of their illness. Testing is also recommended for hospitalized patients with pneumonia of unknown cause.

“Legionella can be found naturally in the environment and in some man-made environments, typically in water,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “These sources include hot tubs, cooling towers, potable water systems, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems and decorative fountains. Infections can occur in vulnerable populations if contaminated water droplets or mists are inhaled.”

With multiple laboratories in California, LA Testing offers laboratory services and specialized sampling supplies to detect Legionella and many other microbial pathogens from environmental samples. They have even sponsored an educational video about Legionella and spas that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/PDbBGKCi7Nc

To learn more about Legionella or other aquatic and environmental testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 
 

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for food, consumer product, environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.