Foodborne Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections are one cause of foodborne illness. Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and abdominal pain are common symptoms of food poisoning. Raw meat, fish, eggs, poultry, and unpasteurized dairy may harbor harmful bacteria that can cause illness. Unsanitary food preparation and handling can also encourage bacterial growth. Bacteria that cause food poisoning include:
- Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) is a diarrheal illness often accompanied by cramps and fever.
- Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) is a potentially life-threatening bacterium that produces powerful neurotoxins.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 is a diarrheal (often bloody) illness that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) causes fever, muscle aches, and diarrhea. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, infants, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk for acquiring this infection.
- Salmonella causes fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms typically last between 4 and 7 days.
- Vibrio causes diarrhea when ingested, but it can also cause severe skin infections when it comes in contact with an open wound.
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