The food poisoning epidemic is a frequent disease that affects millions of people around the world each year. It happens when you consume beverages or food that contain dangerous bacteria or viruses or parasites. These microorganisms can cause diverse range of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even fever. In the most severe instances food poisoning may result in hospitalization or even death.
This article we’ll examine some of the most commonly reported reasons for food poisoning.
Bacteria
Bacteria are among the most frequent sources of poisoning in food. They are found in various types of food which include poultry, meat eggs, dairy products. The most commonly used kinds of bacteria that can cause food poisoning are:
Salmonella: This bacterium is typically found in raw or undercooked poultry, meat eggs, as well as unpasteurized milk. The symptoms of salmonella poisoning are vomiting, fever as well as abdominal cramps.
E. Coli It is present in beef that has been cooked poorly as well as in contaminated foods. Signs associated with E. coli poisoning include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.
Listeria: This bacteria can be often discovered in soft cheeses, delic products, and milk that is not pasteurized. The symptoms of listeria poisoning are headaches, muscle pains and stomach-related symptoms.
Viruses
The virus can also trigger food poisoning. They usually spread via contaminated water or food. Some of the most commonly encountered kinds of viruses that can cause food poisoning are:
Norovirus The virus is highly infectious and is easily spread when in crowds. It is typically found in raw shellfish salads, as well as other kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables. Norovirus symptoms include nausea vomiting, diarrhea as well as stomach cramps.
Hepatitis A The virus is typically present in undercooked or raw seafood as well as in water that is contaminated. The symptoms of Hepatitis A poisoning are fatigue, fever and abdominal pain.
Parasites
They can also trigger food poisoning. They typically are present in food items that are contaminated or in water. Some of the most prevalent types of parasites responsible for food poisoning are:
The parasite Cryptosporidium can be often found in water that is contaminated and in fresh fruits and vegetables. Signs of poisoning with cryptosporidium include stomach cramps, diarrhea and fever.
Giardia: The parasite is usually present in water that has been contaminated, and can be spread by eating food that is raw or cooked. Signs of giardia-related poisoning include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and bloating.
Toxins
The toxins created by certain bacteria may create food poisoning. These toxins typically are present in food items which have been kept at temperatures that are too low or cooked improperly. The most commonly used kinds of toxins that can cause food poisoning are:
Botulism: This toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is usually present in foods that are not properly canned honey, honey, as well as smoking fish. Botulism symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty swallowing and weakness of the muscles.
Staphylococcus aureus The toxin is created through the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. It is typically present in food items that have been kept at temperatures at room temperature for too long, including cooked meats as well as dairy items. Signs associated with Staphylococcus aureus poisoning are nausea vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps.
Preventing Food Poisoning
The saying goes that prevention is always better than cure. When it comes to food poisoning taking preventive measures will help in protecting your health and health. Here are some easy steps you can take to avoid getting food poisoning
Make sure to wash your hands regularly: Hand washing is among the most effective methods to stop spreading harmful germs. Be sure you cleanse your hands with hot water and soap prior to or after handling food items and using the bathroom and after changing your diapers.
Properly cooking food by cooking it to the proper temperature could destroy harmful bacteria and microorganisms. Utilize a thermometer for food to ensure that food has been cooked to the correct temperature. It is possible to find guidelines on temperature for various types of food online , or in cookbooks.
Food should be stored at the correct temperature. Bacteria can develop quickly in food items stored at the room temperatures in excess of a time. Keep perishable food items like meat or poultry, as well as dairy products within the fridge at temperatures lower than 40 degrees F (4degC).
Avoid cross-contamination. Cross-contamination happens when harmful bacteria get transferred from one food item to the next. To prevent cross-contamination, make sure you use different cutting boards for cutting, cutting utensils and dishes for cooked and raw food items. Cleanse your hands and wash Utensils with plenty of soap after handling raw poultry, raw meat or fish.
Beware of foods that are raw Foods that are raw like poultry, meat and seafood, may be contaminated with harmful microbes. Make sure you clean your hands and wash dishes thoroughly after handling raw food. The food should be cooked at the proper temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
The signs of food poisoning could be different depending on the type of microorganisms that caused it. The most frequent indicators of food poisoning are:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Fever
Dehydration
In certain instances food poisoning may result in more serious symptoms, including bleeding stool, severe dehydration and neurological signs. If you are experiencing one of the symptoms listed above it is crucial for you to see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms.
Treatment of Food Poisoning
The treatment for food poisoning is determined by the severity of the symptoms as well as the kind of microorganism which caused it. In the majority of cases food poisoning, it is treatable at home by resting with ample fluids. It is essential to drink plenty of fluids in order to prevent dehydration, particularly if you’re experiencing vomiting and diarrhea.
In some instances, medications might be prescribed to ease symptoms or treat an of the underlying illness. The use of antibiotics is not recommended for food poisoning that is caused by bacteria, since they may actually cause the condition to worsen in certain cases. Antidiarrheal medicines should be handled with caution because they may affect the body’s natural capacity to rid itself of harmful bacteria.
If you notice severe signs related to food poisoning including bleeding stool, severe dehydration as well as neurological issues, it’s essential for you to see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms. In certain instances the need for hospitalization is to avoid complications.
Conclusion
The food poisoning epidemic is a very common disease that can be caused by a variety of microorganisms. It is essential to be cautious when handling food items and cooking them to avoid contamination. Cleansing your hands often and cooking food correctly and keeping food stored at the correct temperature will go a long way in the prevention of food poisoning. If you experience any symptoms that suggest food poisoning it’s essential seeking medical treatment in order to avoid complications. If you follow these guidelines you will be able to protect yourself and your family members from the risks of food poisoning.
