Antimicrobial Services
 

Are M & M’s Panicking You?

The Mold, Mildew, and Microbes that contaminate indoor environments are a major health concern. They destroy property, cause devastating illness and strike fear in the hearts of residential and commercial property owners. They cause deaths and give rise to lawsuits with billions in costs.

It is no wonder,  these persistent biological pests often result in serious health problems, ravaged property values, emotional stress and financial ruin. The problems have been well documented in the media. Each year “sick building syndrome” affects homes, schools, factories, apartment buildings, offices and even hospitals. Resistant strains of bacteria (Ecoli, MRSA, etc) contaminate sports facilities, health clubs, cruise ships and even prisons. Toxic mold problems are especially prevalent in moist environments and following natural disasters such as hurricanes or floods.

Midwest Envirospect is an Authorized Service Provider of Environmental Solutions serving Northern Indiana, Southern Michigan, Eastern Illinois and other nearby states. We are trained and licensed authorized service providers for Bioshield, Anabec Systems and other antimicrobial Products. We are able to react to your problem and help you take proactive measures to protect your property from possible future contamination.

Swine Flu / H1N1

What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?

2009 H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway. The 2009 H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

Why is 2009 H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?

This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

M.R.S.A. / Staff(Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans. It may also be referred to as multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA). MRSA is by definition any strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is resistant to a large group of antibiotics called the beta-lactams, which include the penicillins and the cephalosporins.

MRSA has adapted to survive treatment with beta-lactam antibiotics, including methicillin, dicloxacillin, nafcillin, and oxacillin. MRSA is especially troublesome in hospital-associated (nosocomial) infections. In hospitals, patients with open wounds, invasive devices, and weakened immune systems are at greater risk for infection than the general public. Hospital staff who do not follow proper sanitary procedures may transfer bacteria from patient to patient. Visitors to patients with MRSA infections or MRSA colonization are advised to follow hospital isolation protocol by using gloves, gowns, and masks when indicated. Visitors, including health care providers, who do not follow such protocols are capable of spreading the bacteria to areas such as cafeterias, bathrooms, elevators, or various other surfaces.

Ecoli / Salmonella

The most common form of salmonellosis is food poisoning caused by S. typhimurium and other Salmonella species. Sources of infection include eggs, beef, poultry, unpasteurized dairy products, and fruits and vegetables. In 1998 a new product called CF-3, or Preempt, which could reduce but not eliminate Salmonella in chickens, was approved for sale to poultry farmers. Delivered as a spray to newly hatched chicks, it consists of a mixture of beneficial bacteria that the mother hen normally transferred to her chicks before the advent of factory farms.

Outbreaks of salmonellosis food poisoning occasionally result from contaminated institutional or other mass-prepared food. In the home the bacteria can spread via contaminated cooking areas. Carriers and household pets, especially pet reptiles, can also spread the disease. Symptoms arise 6 to 72 hours after exposure and include severe diarrhea, fever and chills, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms usually last three to five days.

E.coli

Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make you sick. Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses. Still other kinds of E. coli are used as markers for water contamination—so you might hear about E. coli being found in drinking water, which are not themselves harmful, but indicate the water is contaminated. It does get a bit confusing—even to microbiologists.

Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes is present all around in the environment. It has also been found in low numbers in many foods. In certain foods, such as soft mould-ripened cheeses and pâtés, it may be present in higher numbers. Eating foods containing high levels of Listeria monocytogenes is generally the cause of illness ..

Botulism

Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are three main kinds of botulism. Foodborne botulism is caused by eating foods that contain the botulism toxin. Wound botulism is caused by toxin produced from a wound infected with Clostridium botulinum. Infant botulism is caused by consuming the spores of the botulinum bacteria, which then grow in the intestines and release toxin. All forms of botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies. Foodborne botulism can be especially dangerous because many people can be poisoned by eating a contaminated food.