Microbiology and DNA Testing Laboratories

In an article published by Reuters, the Virginia Department of Health confirmed the death of a fisherman was due to a cut on his leg that became infected by a deadly river bacterium known as Vibrio vulnificus. According to the article, the fisherman was the first Vibrio vulnificus death of 2015 in Virginia. The spokesperson also mentioned that there have been 17 cases this year in the state, five of which were from wound infections.

 

Virginia isn’t the only state with Vibrio vulnificus cases. In early July, the Florida Department of Health confirmed seven deaths in the state due to infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus, which ties last year’s total number of deaths caused by the bacterium.

 

Vibrio vulnificus normally lives in warm seawater or brackish waters. It 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.

 

“At EMSL, we offer environmental and food testing services for Vibrio spp.,” stated Diane Miskowski, MPH, Business Development Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These services are available to health professionals, food processors, consultants and the general public. EMSL has multiple laboratories surrounding the state of Virginia and an extensive network of facilities throughout 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.