Orlando, FL, July 20th, 2015
To date, the Florida Department of Health has confirmed seven deaths in the state due to infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus. This number already ties last year’s total number of deaths due to infections caused by the bacterium.
Although infections due to
Vibrio vulnificus are often associated with eating raw shellfish, people can also be exposed to this bacterium by simply entering contaminated seawater. In fact, just last month,
Newsweek reported that a man in his twenties went into the ocean in Florida’s Hernando County and contracted an infection caused by
Vibrio vulnificus. A few days later, he was dead.
Vibrio vulnificus normally lives in warm seawater or brackish waters and can cause disease in those who eat contaminated shellfish or have an open wound that is exposed to seawater. Health officials advise people with open wounds or broken skin to avoid exposure to seawater in places known to harbor the bacterium. Even those who harvest or handle raw shellfish should be careful and wear protective gloves to avoid infections. Those who do develop infections are advised to seek professional medical treatment immediately.
“Although infections due to
Vibrio vulnificus are considered rare, for those infected it can be devastating and even life threatening,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we offer environmental and food testing services for
Vibrio. These services are available to health professionals, food processors and retailers, and the general public. EMSL has multiple laboratories in Florida and an extensive network of facilities across the United States and Canada to service clients.”
EMSL has sponsored an online video about
Vibrio vulnificus that can be seen at:
https://youtu.be/ke-N8dPobe8.
To learn more about testing for environmental or food pathogens or other health and safety services, please visit
www.EMSL.com or
www.FoodTestingLab.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email
info@EMSL.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.