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Resources to Help Prevent Mucormycosis and Other Fungal Infections

Microbiology Testing

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	8/17/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Resources to Help Prevent Mucormycosis and Other Fungal Infections
Introduction	EMSL Analytical offers laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, test kits, air monitoring instruments and building inspection tools to identify and mitigate exposure risks to microbial pathogens.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, August 17, 2023 Mucormycosis is a serious but rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These fungi live in soil and decaying organic matter. Mucor species and Rhizopus species are some of the most common causes of mucormycosis, but there are also other species. CDC reports that while most cases of mucormycosis are sporadic, outbreaks have occurred. In healthcare settings, the agency warns that it can be difficult to determine whether mucormycosis is healthcare-associated or whether the infections were acquired somewhere else. Types of mucormycosis listed by CDC include: Rhinocerebral (sinus and brain) mucormycosis Pulmonary (lung) mucormycosis Gastrointestinal mucormycosis Cutaneous (skin) mucormycosis Disseminated mucormycosis “People with a weakened immune system could get mucormycosis by inhaling fungal spores or if they enter the skin through an injury,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To help lower the chances of developing mucormycosis, CDC recommends at-risk people avoid direct contact with water-damaged buildings after a natural disaster, avoid areas with a lot of dust like at construction or excavation sites, and avoid activities that involve close contact with soil or dust.” EMSL Analytical, with testing facilities across North America, offers laboratory services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and building inspection tools to detect microbial pathogens and protect patients, building occupants and workers that could be at risk of exposure. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about mucormycosis and fungal exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/xewGqtqQyag To learn more about mold or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and infection control testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. To access mold or other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. About EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.