Mar 06, 2014 10:56 AM EST By Jaleesa Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

A rare skin infection has been traced to Asian seafood markets in Flushing in Queens, Sunset Park in Brooklyn, and Chinatown in Lower Manhattan, ABC News reported.

At least 30 people have contracted a bacterial infection after buying seafood at markets in fish markets across New York City, prompting the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to issue a warning to consumers and market workers to take precautions when handling raw or live fish.

"People are encouraged to wear waterproof gloves in their home when preparing live or raw fish or seafood that came from a market in Chinatown, especially if they have cuts or abrasions," health officials said in a statement.

The bacterium enters the skin through cuts on the hands and arms.

Members of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said some people infected with the bacteria had existing cuts on their hands when they touched contaminated live or rawfish or seafood.

"Others cut themselves while preparing contaminated live or raw fish or seafood," the department said in a statement.

The health department said the infection can't pass from person-to-person, and there is no risk associated with eating seafood, ABC News reported.

The urge people who develop a suspicious skin lumps after handling seafood to contact a dermatologist or infectious disease doctor.

"Infected people need to take one or more antibiotics to treat the infection," the health department said. "Some people who were infected have been treated with traditional Chinese medicine or types of antibiotics that cannot cure the infection. If the infection isn't treated correctly, it can worsen over weeks or months and may require surgery.

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