Home »

California Resources to Help Prevent Mucormycosis and Other Fungal Infections

Microbiology Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	1/23/2025
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	California Resources to Help Prevent Mucormycosis and Other Fungal Infections
Introduction	LA Testing provides environmental and infection control laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, test kits, air monitoring instruments, and building inspection tools to identify and mitigate exposure risks to microbial pathogens.
Huntington Beach, California, January 23, 2025 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes mucormycosis as a serious but rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. These fungi live in soil and decaying organic matter. Mucor species and Rhizopus species are some of the most common causes of mucormycosis, but there are also other species. The agency reports that while most cases of mucormycosis are sporadic, outbreaks have occurred. In healthcare settings, the agency warns that it can be difficult to determine whether mucormycosis is healthcare-associated or whether the infections were acquired somewhere else. Types of mucormycosis listed by CDC include: Rhinocerebral mucormycosis Pulmonary mucormycosis Gastrointestinal mucormycosis Cutaneous mucormycosis Disseminated mucormycosis “Those with a weakened immune system are at greater risk of developing mucormycosis by inhaling fungal spores or if they enter the skin through an injury,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “The CDC even recommends at-risk people avoid direct contact with water-damaged buildings after a natural disaster, avoid areas with a lot of dust like at construction or excavation sites, and avoid activities that involve close contact with soil or dust.” In California, LA Testing’s laboratories can help prevent new infections due to environmental, occupational, and indoor exposure risks to microbial pathogens. They offer laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, and building inspection tools to detect moisture, mold, bacteria and many other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues. LA Testing has even sponsored an educational video about mucormycosis and fungal exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/xewGqtqQyag To learn more about infection control and environmental testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. For access to IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. About LA Testing LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.