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Session Listing & Video Archive

Emory University Legionella Workshop Video Archive

May 25th–26th, 2016

Welcome / Paving Paths from Experience: New York City

In this session, we will hear from representatives from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) about the epidemiology of legionellosis in NYC, their experiences with the 2015 Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in the Bronx, surveillance and prevention policies. Session moderated by Ruth Berkelman.

Water Security and Conservation – Emerging Challenges

Panelists will present on challenges by “green” technologies, water reuse technologies and water storage. Session moderated by Gary Roselle and Joan Rose.

Diagnostic Testing, Public Health Surveillance, and Epidemiology

Panelists will present and deliberate on current diagnostic tools, new diagnostic tools on the horizon, epidemiologic exploration into “sporadic” cases, recommendations for patient testing, considerations for patient care and public health, and the communication of surveillance data. Session moderated by Michael Osterholm.

Legal Challenges of Legionella

This session will feature a discussion of the legal considerations and ramifications of Legionella amplification and Legionellosis case detection.  Legal issues that impact research and prevention policies will be considered. Session moderated by Ruth Berkelman.

Environmental Monitoring and Testing

Panelists will present and consider what is known about the usefulness of environmental testing for legionella in prevention of the disease from the built environment, the variation in sampling protocols (location, frequency, volume) and culture methods, interpretation of results (action thresholds) and communication of results. Session moderated by Shantini Gamage & Kim Musser.

Approaches for Control and Primary Prevention

This session will review current industry approaches (e.g., engineering, environmental health) and guidelines for control and primary prevention both domestically and internationally.  Speakers will discuss strengths as well as unintended consequences of various approaches. The session will include perspectives from other countries as well as from the U.S. Session moderated by Gary Roselle & Christopher Boyd.

Engineering and Infrastructure Controls

In this session, panelists will review and discuss topics such as pipe material, flow rates, and various disinfection technologies available for Legionella remediation.  Strengths and unintended consequences of various engineering controls will be considered including impact on other pathogens, corrosion and scalding. Session moderated by Amy Pruden.

Identifying the Gaps in Knowledge: Flint, MI

In this session, a Genesee County Health Department representative will discuss the epidemiology of the 2014 – 2015 Legionnaires’ disease outbreak and gaps that have been identified in research and policy subsequent to the epidemic. Session moderated by Jim Curran.

Public Water Supply Community/Utility Level Controls

Discussants will share approaches to maintaining disinfectant residuals and utility operations and address what is known about the influence of water main breaks and corrosion control on legionella amplification. Session moderated by Amy Pruden.

Planning for the Future: Paths Forward for Research Policy

In this closing session, session moderators will offer remarks on the most salient research needs and policy gaps identified through their respective sessions.  Leadership from federal agencies, foundations, and professional organizations are invited to comment on the gaps identified.  An emphasis will be placed on actionable paths forward in regards to Legionella research and policy.