both drinking and recreational water. If
drinking water treatment systems are in-
adequate the level of parasitic contami-
nation may be sufficient to cause illness.
Campylobacteriosis
Campylobacters are bacteria that are a
major cause of diarrheal illness and are
generally regarded as the most com-
mon bacterial cause of gastroenteritis
worldwide. They cause more cases of
diarrhea than foodborne Salmonella
bacteria.
• Campylobacters are generally
transmitted via undercooked meat
products, raw milk and contami-
nated water or ice.
E. coli
Most E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria
are harmless and are actually an impor-
tant part of a healthy human intestinal
tract, however some, like the 0157:H7
strain can cause diarrhea and other ill-
nesses. Those types can be transmitted
through contaminated water or food or
through contact with infected animals
or people.
Salmonella
Salmonellosis’ symptoms; cramps,
nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have
been well-documented for more than
100 years.
Here at Bermuda
Environmental
Laboratories (BELL)
we’re illustrating
(gradually) a few of
the more common
pathogens, conditions
and elements that
we test for. You’ll find
them at bell.bm and
in the educational
materials we’re
producing. This is a
“family” of E. coli
bacteria.
•
Salmonella is found in Bermuda,
every region of the United States
and around the world. Millions of
germs can be released in the excre-
ment of a single infected human
or animal. See Dr. Perinchief’s article
on pages 90-91 of the spring edition of
Bermuda Parent.
We don’t only get infected by
drinking contaminated water. The
water we use for bathing, brushing our
teeth, washing fruits and vegetables and
cooking can also become fouled on our
roofs, in our tanks and in the rest our
plumbing systems.
Whether you use government’s
Environmental Health Office (M-W)
or our private, on-demand labs (M-F)
Bermuda Environmental Labs recom-
mends you test your water at least once
a year. It’s easy, affordable and we can
schedule annual or biannual check-ups
for you when you call 293-BELL or
e-mail [email protected].
Shervon De Leon, Bermuda Envi-
ronmental Laboratories’ Laboratory and
Plant Operations Manager, holds a BSc in
Microbiology, an MPhil in Microbiology from
The University of the West Indies and is a
WQA-Certified Water Specialist. He served
as Microbiologist, Operations Manager and
Laboratory Manager while the Atlantis
Mobile Laboratory was hosted by BIOS and
stationed in Bermuda.
Potentially
harmful
pathogens, toxins
and other contaminants in
our drinking, bathing and
waste water can produce
symptoms &
conditions
that include
urinary tract
infections, intestinal
cramps, inflammation,
gastric problems, and
they may also lead to
plumbing blockages &
pollution.
Not fun!
Play it safe.
Take the first step.
Test your water.
Bermuda Environmental Laboratories
PROMPT. EXPERT. RESULTS. test your water
10 Harvey Road, Paget
293-BELL www.bell.bm
293-2355 [email protected]
www.bermudaparent.bm
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