Unhealthy environmental conditions have been created in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. In addition to the contaminated floodwaters, conditions in evacuee shelters across the region have led to several potential outbreaks of infectious diseases. Among the concerns are norovirus infections that can cause acute gastroenteritis. Norovirus infections can occur from consuming contaminated food or water, and often occur in crowded environments.

Noroviruses a.k.a. Norwalk-like viruses and Hepatitis A are increasingly becoming an issue among travelers and healthcare workers. Recent outbreaks have motivated the travel and healthcare industries to test for these organisms on a more routine basis. Concerns have increased at popular vacation spots such as hotels, casinos, and cruise ships. According to the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), eleven out of the sixteen cases of gastrointestinal illness reported in 2005 by cruise ships were suspected to be caused by norovirus. (www.cdc.gov) The VSP inspects and assists ships in controlling possible disease outbreaks onboard the ships.

Aerotech P&K has announced the addition of two new analyses for the detection of noroviruses and Hepatitis A. Aerotech P&K is the only commercial laboratory in the United States licensed to analyze environmental samples for these two contaminants utilizing patented PCR technology.

“We have been working for almost a year to provide these novel environmental tests,” said General Manager David Fetveit. “Now that they are available, we hope that we can help professionals identify potential sources and help reduce the spread of these viruses as the clean-up of this disaster progresses.”

About Aerotech Laboratories, Inc.
Founded in 1993, Aerotech Laboratories, Inc. is recognized as the nation's largest commercial Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) business. They provide multiple analytical services including IAQ, Industrial Hygiene (IH), Consumer Products, Food Safety, and Environmental Testing. As one of the few A2LA, EMLAP, and IHLAP accredited laboratories, Aerotech’s mission has been to deliver quality, timely, and legally defensible data to clients around the world. Aerotech offers fast turnaround times and advanced analyses as well as a full line of IAQ and IH equipment and supplies. Aerotech Laboratories also provides online services for tracking projects and ordering supplies and has an unparalleled project management program to ensure each client receives excellent customer service.

About P&K Microbiology Services, Inc.
P&K Microbiology Services, the leader in the Microbiology and Mycology industry, has been providing services to many government agencies (such as USEPA, CDC, GSA, NSA, NIOSH, VA Hospitals, and US Army) as well as private institutions since 1988. This expertise coupled with their record of exceptional service has established P&K as the premier environmental microbiology laboratory. P&K’s accomplished staff has supported some of the most publicized mold testing cases in the United States servicing insurance firms, law firms, government agencies, and consulting groups.

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