Legionella testing & management might have prevented Duke University from appearing in headlines last week for a potential legionella outbreak at a prestigious private basketball training camp.
An estimated 84 individuals participating in the private “Coach K.” basketball camp at Duke University are suspected to have caught Legionella bacterium on-campus between August 11th and 15th. Duke University infectious disease specialists are cooperating with Federal, State, and local health officials to identify the potential source of the exposure. While Legionella does not cause a contagious disease, an abundance of caution is being taken by Duke University officials. “All the individuals who were exposed to the bacteria have been positively identified and have been contacted by Duke physicians.” the school said in its release.
U.S. Water offers Legionella Testing, Customized Water Treatment, & Management Plans to Universities, Hotels, Healthcare Facilities, and a multitude of other business verticals. With COVID-19 fears starting to wane, Legionella management, outbreak prevention, and testing is a hot topic. According to Mayo Clinic: Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia — lung inflammation usually caused by infection. It’s caused by a bacterium known as legionella. Most people catch Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling the bacteria from water or soil. Especially since large buildings used for education or sports have sat dormant – getting a legionella management plan isn’t enough. We encourage businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and others at-risk to have their water tested. The old phrase “any press is good press” doesn’t apply to a Legionella outbreak caused by negligence, leading to injury or death of a guest, customer, student, patient, or employee. Get in touch today!
