Legionnaires Disease Confirmed at NY Hotel

ALBANY, NY – New York health officials confirmed Thursday that six (6) cases of Legionnaire's disease have been linked to the upscale Best Western Sovereign Hotel in Albany, NY.  Tests confirmed Monday that higher than normal levels of legionnella bacteria were present in the hotel's water system.

According to the health department the guests who became ill stayed at the hotel between September and December.

Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) Laboratory Director, Dr. Rajiv Sahay stated “Legionella bacteria can multiply in indoor water systems, such as hot tubs, air conditioners and mist sprayers in grocery-store produce departments. The bacteria can cause significant health implications to those affected.”

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia.  It is usually caused by breathing in the mist from hot tubs, showers or air conditioning units contaminated by legionella. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches and a high fever. It usually develops 2 to 14 days after exposure.

The disease is spread through inhalation of the bacteria, and not person-to-person contact, according to the website. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include chills, confusion and gastrointestinal indications, according to the Mayo Clinic website.  According to CDC most cases of the illness can be treated with antibiotics.  The bacteria usually attack those with existing illnesses such as chronic lung disease. 

For an evaluation of your facility or home call the professionals at Building Health Check/Pure Air Control Services at 800-422-7873 ext 802.

The Environmental Diagnostics laboratory (EDLab) is one of a few AHIA accredited environmental microbiological laboratories that is also CDC Elite proficient, the highest laboratory standard.  For DIY testing of your building for bacterial/Legionella condition contact EDLab at 1-800-422-7873.  Legionella DIY kits are also available at www.INDOORAIRTEST.com and Grainger among other fine retailers.

About Pure Air Control Services:

Alan Wozniak founded Pure Air Control Services, Inc. in 1984 as a small mechanical contracting firm. Today, the firm sets the industry standard for indoor environmental quality diagnosis and remediation.

Pure Air Control Services  is a national provider of the following IAQ services: Building Sciences Evaluation; Building Health Check (USP 797 monitoring compliance); Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) an AIHA accredited micro laboratory (USP 797 Lab analysis); DIY IAQ Green Check test kits, Environmental Project Management; HVAC System Cleaning and Mold Remediation Services, among other indoor environmental services.

The company’s expanding valued client roster includes the General Services Administration (GSA); Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Allstate Insurance; Carrier Air Conditioning; Naval Air Warfare Center, Orlando; and Naval Air Station - King's Bay, Georgia, and many other Fortune 500 companies, school boards, and city, state, and county governments, making Pure Air Control Services the reliable industry leader in IAQ.

For more information on Pure Air Control Services, Inc. please contact Cy Garner or Alan Wozniak at (800) 422-7873 ext 802 or visit www.pureaircontrols.com.

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