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Vibrio Infections Increase by 43% According to the CDC

EMSL Analytical offers food testing services to the public, regulators and food manufacturers to help prevent infections and contamination.


WEBWIRE –
 

Cinnaminson, NJ, May 7, 2013

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the annual food safety report card. The report showed that some types of food poisoning cases are on the decline, but two in particular have risen. 

Foodborne illnesses due to Campylobacter have reportedly increased 14% and Vibrio infection have gone up by 43% as compared to data from 2006 – 2008. Although illnesses due to Vibrio vulnificus are considered to be a rare cause of disease, it is also thought to be underreported.

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium in the same family as those that cause cholera. It normally lives in warm seawater and can cause disease in those who eat contaminated seafood or have an open wound that is exposed to seawater.

Among healthy people, ingestion of the organism can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. In immune-compromised persons, particularly those with chronic liver disease, it can infect the bloodstream, causing a severe and life-threatening illness characterized by fever and chills, septic shock and blistering skin lesions.  Bloodstream infections are fatal up to 50% of the time.

The CDC does provide tips for preventing Vibrio vulnificus infections, particularly among immune-compromised patients.  They include the following:

  • Do not eat raw oysters or other raw shellfish.
  • Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly.
  • Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood.
  • Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.
  • Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, or to raw shellfish harvested from such waters.
  • Wear protective clothing (e.g., gloves) when handling raw shellfish.


One of the leading food testing companies in North America helping to identify Vibrio vulnificus and Campyobacter is EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The CDC report brings to light that food safety is a critical component of our nation’s food supply,” reported Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL offers a wide variety of food testing services to help ensure that people are not exposed to pathogens and contaminants in the food they feed their families,” she continued.

EMSL has sponsored an online video about Vibrio vulnifucus that can be seen at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke-N8dPobe8

To learn more about testing for food pathogens or other food testing services, please visit: www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.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 food, environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

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