Have You Been Made Sick or Injured From Food?
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Prevention
Most foodborne illnesses are avoidable with proper food handling, preparation, and storage. Unfortunately, hepatitis A and other highly contagious illnesses still make people sick every day. If your food or beverages are contaminated, you can contract hepatitis A and suffer serious symptoms as a result. Read on for more information on how to prevent hepatitis A in food.
Ingestion of Campylobacter bacteria can lead to campylobacteriosis, a serious foodborne illness. Even a small amount of the bacteria can cause severe illness through eating contaminated food, person-to-person contact, or animal-to-person contact.
Shigella is a genus of bacteria that causes shigellosis. The pathogen spreads through infected feces. Half a million people get shigellosis each year from contaminated food and water in the United States. Most cases are mild, but some people experience severe symptoms that last for months and may lead to lifelong health problems.
Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis (inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract) in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 19 and 21 million cases of gastroenteritis are caused by norovirus every year. The virus can lead to severe dehydration and hospitalization.
Given these staggering numbers, you may wonder, “How is norovirus spread?” Norovirus is incredibly contagious and spreads rapidly. It can persist on uncleaned surfaces for weeks, raising its spread risk. Given the potentially serious and deadly consequences of a norovirus infection, it is important to stay informed and vigilant.
Listeria is a foodborne illness that mostly affects pregnant women. It causes gastrointestinal symptoms but can spread beyond the intestines and become invasive. This can lead to serious complications and death in non-pregnant individuals, fetuses, and newborns. Unpasteurized dairy products and prepared store-bought foods are common sources of transmission. Knowing how to prevent listeria can help you avoid this dangerous foodborne illness.
Salmonella is a bacteria found in the intestines of many healthy animals and reptiles that can cause illness in humans. It is most commonly transmitted through undercooked foods, especially poultry, but people can also contract salmonella infections through direct contact with animal carriers. It typically causes mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Vulnerable individuals can develop severe or fatal symptoms. Learning how to prevent salmonella can keep you and your family safe.