Florida is one of 16 states affected by an outbreak of salmonella.
The Centers for Disease Control says, beginning in March, 24 people have been infected with a strain of salmonella found in microbiology labs.
Six of those individuals were hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.
The infections occurred in college, commercial and clinical laboratories, and affected people from infancy to age 57. Along with Florida, infections were also reported in California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington.
In response to previous lab-related outbreaks, the CDC released a set of guidelines for students, employees and faculty members to use when working in microbiology laboratories. It includes not bringing home items used in the lab; following proper biosafety training; wearing gloves, a lab coat or other protective garments; actively washing hands; and avoiding touching your face or body while in the lab.
It is also important to note that laboratory workers aren't the only ones at risk of getting sick. People who live with them are also vulnerable.