Microbiology Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, December 12, 2024

Last month, multiple media outlets reported on a cruise ship coming to port in Los Angeles after dozens of passengers and crew reported feeling ill. An outbreak of norovirus has since been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as cruise ships are required to report gastrointestinal illnesses to the agency.

Cruise ships have been operating from ports in California for decades. The industry serves millions of passengers each year and employees thousands of workers. It also contributes billions of dollars to the state’s economy each year. Keeping passengers safe from norovirus and other infectious diseases is crucial for the health of the industry. In addition to outbreaks of norovirus and COVID, other outbreaks that have been linked to cruise ships include various foodborne illnesses, influenza, and less commonly, Legionnaires’ disease.

“Outbreaks can happen on cruise ships because people spend so much time in close proximity with others from many places,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Close-contact environments facilitate the transmission of pathogens from person to person through exposure to respiratory droplets, aerosols, or contact with contaminated surfaces.”

To help protect travelers and crew members, LA Testing provides air, surface, water, and food testing for a wide range of microbial contaminants, pathogens, and even chemical pollutants. Their California laboratories also provide testing to confirm the effectiveness of disinfection procedures onboard cruise ships.

Several years ago, LA Testing sponsored an educational video about indoor environmental quality and preventing the spread of germs on cruise ships that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/sdmeEOhqmm0

To learn more about this or other infection control, environmental, and industrial hygiene testing resources, 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 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.