Fish Sicknesses That are Transmitted to Humans
Recent news reports state that sea water is the reason for mercury contamination in saltwater fish. Despite the higher chemical concentrations in freshwater food, the former poses greater risk to the health of the consumers. According to university researchers, this harmful chemical is known as methylmercury. It attaches to disintegrated organic matter found in fresh water. However, it holds on tightly to seawater chloride. This is why seawater fish presents more possible danger to humans.
Besides methylmercury contamination in seafood, there are other problems discovered by marine biologists. The most notable are the diseases that are transmitted to human beings. One of these threats is fish TB, which is caused by Mycobacterium marinum. Other names for this disease is fish tuberculosis and swimming pool granuloma.
The bacteria usually enters the human body through wounds and incubation takes two days to two years. Infected areas typically appears pinkish or purplish in colour and is painful when touched. Doctors treat this disease with common human TB drugs like rifampin, biaxin and ethambutol. The treatment may take one year or more.
Improper handling or preparation of fish can lead to vibrio infections. Among the common source of transmission are V. damsela, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus. Humans are affected with these through ingestion or wound infection.
In order to prevent acquiring such diseases, people are advised to handle fish carefully. If you are preparing marine food, you need to wear gloves. In case you get scratched by the bones or fins, there is no damage done. You should also clean and cook the food thoroughly to get rid of the bacteria or chemical that might be present on the fish.