I contracted septicemia once while putting away a live rock order. I scratched the back of my wrist on a rock and didn't even notice at first. It only took 6 hours for my whole arm to swell up. Once the veins in your arm turn red up to your elbow, you have to go to the hospital. They gave me doxycycline if I remember correctly.
Mycobacterium Marinum (tuberculosis) isn't the same as the T.B. humans get, but it can give you contact lesions. I had it on a finger for about a year. I know a few people that have contracted it. Doctors don't usually diagnose it because it's an exotic condition and even the aquarist doesn't make the connection. Isoniazid and Rifampin are effective cures.
Stingrays, certain tangs, lionfish, sea slugs, mushrooms, zoanthids, anemones, palythoa, and fire worms are just a few of the perils in our aquariums. Aquarium medications, additives, and salmonella are also a potential danger.
Rubber gloves are always a good idea.
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