Bacteria in Seafood Linked to Skin Infection Outbreak in New York

Last month, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene published a warning for people who handle live or raw seafood from Chinatown markets in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.  The warning followed an outbreak of skin infections due to contact with a bacteria found on seafood that has impacted dozens of people.

According to the warning, “The bacteria which causes the infection, Mycobacterium marinum (M. marinum), enters the skin through a cut or other injury while handling live or raw fish or seafood. Symptoms of M. marinum include red, tender swelling under the skin of the hands and arms, hand or arm pain, and difficulty moving fingers. People are encouraged to wear waterproof gloves in their home when preparing live or raw fish or seafood that came from a market in Chinatown, especially if they have cuts or abrasions. Employees of both these seafood markets and restaurants that purchase food from these markets also are urged to wear waterproof gloves when handling live or raw fish or seafood. There is no risk associated with consuming the food from these markets.”

Mycobacterium marinum infections, also known as fish tank or aquarium granuloma, are relatively rare.  Infections have been reported in otherwise healthy adults and treatment for the condition includes the use of antibiotics.

“There are many types of pathogens associated with raw meats, poultry and seafood,” said Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Although EMSL doesn’t test for M. marinum, EMSL is on the frontline in providing testing services for a wide range of other microbial pathogens to prevent and identify the source of outbreaks through advanced analytical procedures. These services are available to government agencies, industry and the general public.”

To learn more about food testing services for the identification of microbial pathogens or other types of food analysis, 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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