Harmful Bacteria May be Growing in a Building’s Water During COVID-19 Shutdowns

Atlanta, GA, August 15, 2020 --(PR.com)-- The only way to know if Legionella bacteria are present in a building's water system is to take samples and test. Even when facility operators in hotels, schools, nursing homes, or commercial business buildings follow water management safety plans, Legionella may still grow. CNN reported on August 7, 2020 that this is just what happened at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Legionella was found in water sources in CDC leased buildings in Atlanta, forcing the closure of those buildings to treat the problem. Legionella is a dangerous water-borne bacteria that can cause Legionnaires' disease when spread through a building's water sources. Building owners who test their building's water can prevent the risk of Legionnaires' disease. Too often, reports show that Legionella water testing occurs after someone becomes ill.

As businesses reopen after prolonged closures, a testing kit can help building owners determine if their Legionella prevention measures are working. If not prevented, Legionella may lead to Legionnaires' disease, a dangerous pneumonia type respiratory illness. People can get sick if they breathe in Legionella contaminated water droplets in the air. "Testing water provides validation to building owners that they are ensuring the safety of visitors and occupants," said Dr. John Kalns, Hyperion Biotechnology's Legionella testing expert. Dr. Kalns states, "As businesses are reopening or increasing occupancy, we want to provide an easy and proven way to test water. The CDC provides guidance for reopening buildings to reduce the risk of Legionella, but water testing is the way to determine if the bacteria are present."

Building owners can collect samples themselves with a testing kit or have an environmental technician collect the samples. Legionella testing kits are affordable and come with all supplies needed to sample water sources and then have the water analyzed at Hyperion's certified laboratory. Legionella spreads through mist or water droplets that come from faucets, shower heads, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and other water sources such as cooling towers. With testing, building owners can prevent the spread of Legionella bacteria and reopen safely knowing their prevention plans are working.

About Hyperion
Hyperion Biotechnology, Inc. is a Woman-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small business. As an environmental microbiology laboratory specializing in Legionella water testing, Hyperion holds CDC Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation (CDC ELITE) and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP) certifications. Additionally, Hyperion has expertise in biomedical research and development with discoveries in salivary biomarkers to objectively measure fatigue levels. Hyperion delivers high-quality research and services for government and commercial customers and maintains a CLIA certified laboratory.