Understanding Vibrio Risks: EMSL Analytical Provides Resources to Identify Environmental and Foodborne Pathogens

Each year, millions of people head to the coast to swim, fish, and enjoy fresh seafood. While these activities are part of the summer tradition, they can also bring exposure to Vibrio, a naturally occurring bacterium found in warm coastal waters.

Vibrio bacteria thrive in salty or brackish environments, particularly during warmer months from May through October. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the species of greatest concern in the United States include Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio alginolyticus. These bacteria can cause vibriosis, an infection that may range from mild gastrointestinal illness to severe and potentially life-threatening wound infections.

People typically become infected with Vibrio through one of two primary routes:

1. Eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters and other shellfish.
   
   
2. Exposing open wounds, even minor cuts or scrapes, to seawater or raw seafood juices.
   
   

While most healthy individuals recover within a few days, people with weakened immune systems, liver disease, or conditions such as diabetes face a higher risk. In these cases, Vibrio vulnificus infections can progress rapidly and require immediate medical attention.

Fortunately, vibriosis is largely preventable. Health experts recommend:

• Thoroughly cooking seafood before consumption.
  
  
• Avoiding contact between open wounds and saltwater or brackish water.
  
  
• Using waterproof bandages if exposure cannot be avoided.
  
  
• Seeking prompt medical care if a wound becomes red, swollen, or painful after marine exposure.
  
  

“By understanding Vibrio and taking a few simple precautions, people can enjoy coastal activities while reducing health risks,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To help protect against exposure to microbial pathogens, EMSL Analytical provides environmental, infection control, and food testing services to identify Vibrio and a wide range of other bacteria and fungi.”

EMSL has also sponsored an educational video highlighting Vibrio exposure risk, available at: https://youtu.be/lTZC4tApeYE

To learn more about microbial testing and EMSL’s environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com, or call (800) 220-3675.

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.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail