Integrated Facility Services Samples Buildings for Legionella Bacteria

Recent building closures during the COVID-19 pandemic have created a prime environment for the spread of the Legionella bacteria. As buildings start to reopen after their plumbing systems have sat dormant or underused for weeks, workers are at risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease, a respiratory illness with symptoms similar to COVID-19 and pneumonia.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is now recommending a water management process before buildings are reopened following a prolonged shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water. Integrated Facility Services’ certified technicians have begun procedures to sample for Legionella and other biofilm-related bacteria at buildings in the Saint Louis region and advise on a safe water management strategy. 

“Much effort has been made to ensure the safety of our region’s employees. It would be very unfortunate for Legionnaires’ disease to become an increased risk as we work to reopen our economy and businesses. Business owners should consider taking these relatively simple measures when reopening their idled buildings in order to protect the health and safety of occupants,“ says John Rundquist, president of Integrated Facility Services.