Microbiology Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, January 29, 2025

Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) recently announced it was investigating several confirmed and presumptive cases of leptospirosis. The cases were identified among workers in local agricultural fields, specifically within the caneberry production sector.

The disease is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. The bacteria are spread through the urine of infected animals, including rats. It can get into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months warns the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to VCPH

This bacterial infection, which can affect both humans and animals, is believed to have been contracted through exposure to contaminated water or soil in agricultural environments. There is currently no known danger identified in our investigation to the general public through contact or consumption of berries grown under hoops. 

“Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, or none at all,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Without treatment, leptospirosis can sometimes lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death. Fortunately, human cases of leptospirosis are not common in California. Workers that could be at risk of exposure to Leptospira include those who work outdoors or with animals. CDC lists farmers, veterinarians, animal caretakers, miners, and workers involved with sewers or fish as being at potential risk.”

Dedicated to helping prevent new cases of leptospirosis, or to identify the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred, are the environmental professionals at LA Testing. Their network of laboratories provides rapid environmental testing services for Leptospira utilizing highly sensitive qPCR techniques.

Several years back, LA Testing sponsored an educational video about leptospirosis and various occupational and environmental exposure risks to Leptospira. It can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/m23WDvym2bY 

To learn more about testing for Leptospira or other infection control, environmental, health, and safety 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.