05-03-2004, 03:13 PM
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]CLAIBORNE, MD—Biologists believe at least half of the striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay carry Mycobacterium marinum, an organism that causes "fish handler's disease" in humans.[/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]The disease was first documented by Maryland scientists in 1998. They now estimate it's spread to 50 percent of stripers in some areas of the bay. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, however, estimates 76 percent are infected.[/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]Human symptoms include swelling and joint stiffness. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist.[/size][/#000000][/font]
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[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]The disease was first documented by Maryland scientists in 1998. They now estimate it's spread to 50 percent of stripers in some areas of the bay. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, however, estimates 76 percent are infected.[/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]Human symptoms include swelling and joint stiffness. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist.[/size][/#000000][/font]
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