Increase in Bacterial Infections in Texas Likely Associated with Flooded Properties

Indoor Environmental Consultants (IEC) provides testing and consulting services to help identify and prevent exposure to microbial pathogens in properties.
By: Indoor Environmental Consultants, Inc.
 
 
IEC
IEC
AUSTIN, Texas - July 14, 2015 - PRLog -- The last few months have brought flooding to many parts of Texas and there are now reports of increasing infection rates due to microbial pathogens commonly associated with feces.  Just this month, KRGV broadcast a report about a dramatic increase in the number of cases of campylobacteriosis across the state.

In Hidalgo County alone, the Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed 226 cases of campylobacteriosis as of early July.  This compares to just 77 cases in all of 2014.  Although campylobacteriosis can be associated with foodborne illnesses, in this case, many believe the increased rate of infections is due to flood damage that introduced human or animal waste into homes and businesses.

Campylobacteriosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Campylobacter. Most people who become ill with campylobacteriosis get diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever within two to five days after exposure to the organism. Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of diarrheal illness in the United States. Traditionally, most cases occur as isolated, sporadic events, not as part of a recognized outbreak as appears to be the case in some parts of Texas.

“People living or working in flood-damaged properties need to be aware of microbial pathogens that can cause disease as well as fungi and bacteria that may act as respiratory irritants, allergens, and asthma triggers,” said Hollis L. Horner, President of Indoor Environmental Consultants, Inc.  “Touching contaminated surfaces, cleaning, removing debris, and even rebuilding activities can create exposure risks.  At IEC, our flood damage and indoor environmental quality professionals provide inspection and testing services to identify these microbial contaminants.  These services protect families, building occupants, and workers tasked with cleaning and repairing damaged properties.”

To learn more about IEC’s water damage and indoor environmental quality services, please visit www.iecinc.net, email ncancino@iecinc.net or call (877) 432-8378.

About Indoor Environmental Consultants, Inc.

IEC began operations in 2001 with some of the nation’s most seasoned professional indoor air quality consultants who already had over 70 years of combined experience.  The indoor environmental quality firm specializes in field investigations and assessments of commercial, institutional and residential buildings.  Their services, related to fungal (mold), chemical, bacterial, asbestos and particulate pollutants, are offered throughout Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Southwest. IEC is licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a mold assessment company (ACO0114) and an asbestos consultant agency (100329).

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Tags:Texas, Flood Damage, Microbial Pathogen, Air Testing, Property Damage
Industry:Health, Media
Location:Austin - Texas - United States
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