New CDC Vital Signs report: 
Legionnaires’ disease on the rise

Today, CDC released its June 2016 Vital Signs, highlighting the latest findings on deficiencies in environmental control of Legionella that led to the building-associated Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks CDC investigated from 2000 through 2014. 

Environmental health expertise is key to preventing Legionnaires’ disease and responding to outbreaks. In CDC’slatest Vital Signs, new tools and information are available for environmental health professionals to help local building owners and managers carry out Legionella water management programs based on newly published standards.

Cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the United States grew by nearly 4 times from 2000 through 2014. CDC investigations of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks show that about 9 in 10 were caused by problems that could have been prevented with more effective water management. Environmental assessments conducted as part of CDC investigations show that outbreaks of this disease are due to common problems, such as human errors like not properly cleaning a hot tub filter or changes in water quality caused by external factors like nearby construction.

Explore CDC’s new Vital Signs on preventing Legionnaires’ disease, including a practical guide for developing a Legionella water management program, infographic fact sheet, and more. Please share the CDC Vital Signs information and toolkit with your colleagues, membership, and partners.