Legionnaires’ Disease Reported in Several Recent Outbreaks

Core, one of the most recognized providers of commercial indoor air quality (IAQ) services, provides Legionella testing services to protect building inhabitants from the dangers of Legionnaires’ disease. 

Pennsauken, NJ, August 12^th, 2010 

Last month it was reported that at least 31 people became ill at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Michigan.  Six of the sick people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease from the July 12^th to the 24^th outbreak at the base.  Another case of the disease was recently investigated after two people were treated for the same disease in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi.  It is believed these people became ill from exposure at the same establishment. 

The disease is caused by Legionella, a type of bacteria.  Legionnaires’ disease got its name after a 1976 outbreak at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia that sickened 221 people and caused 34 deaths.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Each year, between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease in the U.S. However, many infections are not diagnosed or reported, so this number may be higher. More illness is usually found in the summer and early fall, but it can happen any time of year.” 

Legionella is found in many environments and its transmission occurs via aerosols.  When mist containing the bacteria is inhaled people can become infected.  Although it is found in nature in places such as streams and lakes, human infections usually happen in indoor environments or manmade locations involving cooling towers or hot water systems. 

Infections from Legionella can take up to two weeks before symptoms appear.  Infected individuals may show flu-like symptoms.  If not properly treated with antibiotics death can result in 5% to 30% of those infected. 

One of the leading providers of IAQ inspections services for microbial contaminants such as Legionella is Core.  “The highly trained investigators at Core are some of the industry’s most experienced IAQ investigators who have access to the latest Legionella testing instrumentation and decades of experience,” reported Don Makin, Indoor Air Quality Director of Operations for Core.  “This potentially deadly disease can be prevented by testing buildings and Core has the solutions.” 

To learn more about IAQ issues or Legionella please visit Core at http://www.iaqnow.com/ or http://www.coremech.com/, email dmakin@CoreMech.com or call (866) 969-0636.  

About Core

Core specializes in indoor air quality for all types of buildings.  Services range from air quality inspections, testing, air filtration, installation, maintenance, documenting, cleaning and restoration of building air quality and HVAC systems.  The company has over 85 years of combined service and has an extensive profile of accreditations and certifications from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.