Listeria Outbreak Creates IEQ Health Concerns

As many as 16 people are confirmed dead due to the recent Listeria outbreak.   Another 72 people have been infected in 18 states according to the latest numbers released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is one of the deadliest outbreaks in decade by the Listeria bacteria.

Listeria is an aerobic, gram-positive bacillus producing small non-hemolytic, cream colored colonies on microbial growth media, later becoming reddish-orange. These bacteria found in soil and water that can be carried by animals.  It can also be isolated from the fruits, feces of chinchillas, hamsters and other rodents.  The incubation time of these bacteria may vary in hosts from few weeks to several months before the symptoms appear. Some common symptoms are fever, muscle aches, diarrhea and dysentery etc.   

Public health officers are busy investigating the root cause of this outbreak however; it is believed that it is spread via infected Cantaloupe. Over billions of infected Cantaloupes were distributed in more than 25 States for sale in stores.

People store Cantaloupe in refrigerator to maintain the freshness especially after cutting it. This environment provides very ideal conditions (these bacteria incubate in cooled environments) for the multiplication of Listeria. It is advisable to dispose of the contaminated fruit and make sure that your indoor environment is not contaminated with any such bacteria. 

Contact Dr. Rajiv Sahay, CIAQP, FIAS, Laboratory Director EDLab at Pure Air Control Services 727-572-4550ext 301 for further assistance on Listeria bacteria.

For more information on ordering your DIY IAQ Screen Check test kits call 1-800-422-7873 ext 404 or visit the web site at www.IndoorAirTest.com.

About Environmental Diagnostics laboratory (EDLab):

Alan Wozniak founded Pure Air Control Services, Inc in 1984 as a small mechanical contracting firm and has since set the industry standard for indoor environmental quality diagnosis, environmental laboratory and remediation. Pure Air Control Services has serviced more than 600 million square feet of indoor environments in over 10,000 facilities.

The Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) (established in 1992) at Pure Air Control Services (PACS) is an AIHA accredited environmental lab offering complete and comprehensive indoor environmental microbiology laboratory services. They include: microbiology, aerobiology, chemistry, allergen assays and microscopy designed to meet all your indoor air needs. EDLab supports IAQ investigations by assisting with strategic sampling plan development and supplying media collection equipment while performing a wide range of environmental analyses.

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