These days, infections have become all the more common. One form of infection comes from a group of bacteria that are found in a variety of food and animal feces. It is therefore important to understand what these germs are and what they do, and most of all - how to avoid them!
1. E. Coli
The E. Coli germ lives in the colon of people and animals such as cows, sheep, and goats. The bacteria is not usually harmful, in fact, it is required for the routine activities of the digestive system. However, there is usually cause for concern when coming into contact with feces, as a risk of infection may arise. The bacteria usually travels through uncooked meat, polluted water, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Symptoms of infection from E Coli include severe diarrhea, stomach aches, and vomiting which can last between 5 to 10 days. Moreover, E Coli bacteria may cause urinary infections, with women being especially susceptible.
Although the vast majority of E Coli bacteria aren't deadly, there are strands which can cause blood in diarrhea, kidney malfunction and even death.
To avoid infection, be sure to properly cook your meat, wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking them, and avoid drinking unpasteurized milk and juice. Make sure to clean your hands well after going to the restroom, and thoroughly clean kitchenware and work surfaces that came in contact with uncooked meat.
2. Campylobacter
Campylobacter jejuni is a species of bacteria commonly found in animal feces. It is one of the most common causes of human gastroenteritis in the world. Food poisoning caused by Campylobacter species can be severely debilitating but is rarely life-threatening.
C. jejuni is commonly associated with poultry, and it naturally colonizes the digestive tract of many bird species. One study found that 30% of European starlings in farm settings in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, were carriers of C. jejuni. This bacteria is also common in cattle.
Avoid contaminated drinking water and unpasteurized milk. Contaminated food is a major source of infections too. Incorrectly prepared meat and poultry are the primary sources of the bacteria. A serious infection is caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria. The disease primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, adults with weakened immune systems, and the elderly.
3. Listeria
Listeria germs are found in soil and in water, and so can appear on raw foods such as fruit and vegetables, raw meat and fish, as well as unpasteurized dairy products. Unlike other bacteria, this species can also grow and spread in the relatively low temperatures found in a fridge.
Most Listeria bacteria are handled by the immune system before they can cause infection, but some 'get away' and cause listeriosis.
Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, shivers, headaches, and vomiting. People at high risk of a listeria infection are pregnant women and their fetuses, adults over 50 and people who have a weak immune system.
Listeriosis may not affect a lot of people - research suggests that every year it affects about 1,600 people globally. However, out of those 1600, 260 die.
To avoid infection, rinse vegetables and fruit well before eating, and clean any spills in the kitchen, especially from raw meat.
4. Vibrio
Vibrio Parahaemolyticus germs live in salt water, and are often found in uncooked seafood. They may cause food poisoning which will cause watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and shivers. Severe cases will cause blood and mucus to appear in the feces.
People who eat fish and uncooked seafood may be infected within 24 hours, with the symptoms lasting 3-5 days. Severe infections are rare, but people with a weak immune system are at high risk.
These infections can usually be avoided by thoroughly cooking fish and seafood.
5. Toxoplasma
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), millions of people around the world carry the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. However, only a few of us suffer from any symptoms, due to a robust immune system. That said, there are people who develop toxoplasmosis and may develop a severe infection.
The symptoms, like those of the flu, might be weakness, fever, muscle pain and enlarged lymph nodes. People at risk include pregnant women and those with a weak immune system. The parasite can cause severe diseases which may harm the brain, eyes, liver, and lungs.
The toxoplasma gondii bacteria is found in a large variety of animals, but it can only breed in the stomach of a cat. Cats usually catch the parasite by eating raw meat, unwashed vegetables or contact with other cat feces which contain the eggs of the parasite.
To prevent infection, the CDC recommends cooking your food safely and avoiding low heats. Be sure to wash your hands while handling raw food, and to avoid unclean water and cat feces.
6. Salmonella
Salmonella is a group of bacteria usually found in uncooked poultry, eggs, beef and sometimes unwashed fruit and vegetables. Touching food or animals that have been in contact with the bacteria might cause inflammation in your digestive system. This inflammation is called salmonellosis and its symptoms include fever, diarrhea, stomach pain and headaches which can last between 4 to 7 days.
Most people heal without treatment, but for the elderly, babies and people with chronic diseases, Salmonellosis can spread in the blood, with deadly results.
To avoid infection, avoid eating uncooked eggs, meat and poultry not fully cooked, and keep your raw meat separate from cooked meat. Also, wash everything that comes into contact with uncooked foods.
7. Norovirus
This virus can harm the stomach and bowels, and is often called 'stomach flu'. The bacteria are usually found in contaminated food or beverages, but can also be spread by touching surfaces or other people carrying it.
The virus can cause an inflammation of the bowels (gastritis). The symptoms include fatigue, headaches, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and fever that tend to last a few days. Most people overcome the disease, but it's important to drink enough fluids to replace what you lost.
To avoid infection, always clean your hands with soap after handling foods, and disinfect work surfaces in the kitchen and restroom.
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