Even though the American food supply is considered to be among the safest in the world, there is still a risk that eating certain foods under specific conditions can lead to illness. According to the federal government, there are approximately 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses that occur every year. That amounts to 1 in 6 Americans each year becoming sick from the foods they eat. Of those who get sick, 128,000 end up needing hospital care and 3,000 never recover.
It is, therefore, important to know the top 9 foodborne illnesses and what they do to you.
1. Bacillus cereus food poisoning is brought on after consuming contaminated meats, stews, gravy, and vanilla sauce. Symptoms can include abdominal cramping, watery diarrhea, and nausea and this can last for up to 48 hours.
2. Botulism is a well-known foodborne illness, which results in diarrhea, blurred vision, double vision, and difficulty in swallowing. Some patients experience muscle weakness and respiratory disorder. This usually comes from eating improperly canned foods and can last up to 72 hours before relief sets in. Serious cases may require hospitalization for more advanced treatment.
3. E. coli food poisoning is the result of food contaminated with human feces. It is often referred to as “traveler’s diarrhea.” Symptoms include abdominal cramps, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. These can last for more than a week without proper treatment.
4. There is another form of E. coli food poisoning, which is called hemorrhagic colitis. It is more severe that the usual type of foodborne illness because this results in severe diarrhea which is often bloody. This type of illness is more common in children under 4 years of age and if not treated correctly, can lead to kidney failure.
5. Listeriosis is contracted after drinking unpasteurized milk or soft cheeses that have been made from unpasteurized milk, or ready to eat deli meats. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Pregnant women should be extra careful as this can lead to premature delivery or stillbirth.
6. Salmonella is often found in eggs, poultry, meat, or unpasteurized milk, juice, or cheese. You can also get Salmonella poisoning by eating fish found in contaminated waters.
7. Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning is a severe one that brings on abdominal cramps, diarrhea and fever. The illness can come from unrefrigerated meats, potatoes, egg salads, or cream pastries.
8. Vibrio vulnificus infection is the result of eating undercooked or raw seafood and shellfish. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood borne infection, fever, bleeding within the skin, and ulcers. It can be fatal to those who already have liver disease or a weakened immune system.
9. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (commonly known as mad cow disease) is a degenerative disease that affects the brains of cattle. Consumption of meat from such infected cattle can be extremely serious and sometimes fatal as it can bring about the human form of the disease. Once you’ve eaten it there is nothing that can be done. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, dementia, and hallucinations. Death can occur within 21 days or even less.
It is important to point out in understanding these top 9 foodborne illnesses and what they do to you that the symptoms are quite varied. It is clear that every type of food can bring risks to your health. The best defense against contracting any is to know where your food comes from and how it was prepared.
