Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause a form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires' disease as well as a condition known as Pontiac Fever. Each year, between 8,000 and 18,000 people in the United States are hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease. However, many infections are likely not diagnosed properly or reported, so this number may be much higher. Legionnaires' disease is usually treated successfully with antibiotics, but it can be fatal.

People get Legionnaires' disease when they breathe in a mist that has been contaminated with the bacteria. It is naturally found in water, especially warm water, and outbreaks in the past have been associated with cooling towers, plumbing systems, hot tubs, and decorative pools or fountains. In 2015, the worst outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in New York's history claimed a number of lives and infected over 100 people. The outbreak was associated with contaminated cooling towers and resulted in new statewide regulations that require periodic reporting of testing, inspection, and certification of cooling towers.

VOETS offers Legionella testing, consulting, and compliance services to meet the New York State regulations.

Services Include:

• • Legionella Testing
• • Legionella Water Plans
• • Compliance with NYC requirements
• • Cooling Tower Testing
• • Cooling Tower Water Management

Contact us today for more information.