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Foodborne Illnesses: Types, Symptoms and Prevention

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Published
03/20/2023

Food is essential to human life. It gives us the nutrients and energy we need to survive and thrive. However, when food is contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins, it can cause serious illnesses that significantly threaten public health.

If you or a loved one develop a foodborne illness, contacting a law firm that specializes in food borne illness claims may be worthwhile. These firms can provide legal assistance in pursuing compensation for damages related to the illness. 

Let’s explore some of the common types of foodborne illnesses and their symptoms and ways to prevent them from occurring.

Types of Foodborne Illnesses 

The different types of foodborne illnesses have unique symptoms and potential health complications, and they include: 

Salmonella

Salmonella is a bacteria commonly found in raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. The symptoms of a salmonella infection develop within six to 72 hours of consuming contaminated food and may include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

People recover from a Salmonella infection within a week without treatment. However, some people, including infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, may develop severe complications such as dehydration, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.

E. coli

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is found in raw or undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk, and fresh produce such as spinach and lettuce. The symptoms of an E. coli infection appear within two to five days of consuming contaminated food and may include the following:

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Most infected people recover from the infection within a week without treatment. However, children under five and older adults may develop complications such as kidney failure and anemia.

Norovirus

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus commonly spread through contaminated food or water. The symptoms of a norovirus infection develop within 12 to 48 hours of exposure. Some of them are:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Body aches

The infected people recover from a norovirus infection without treatment within one to three days. However, dehydration can be a severe complication, especially in children and older adults.

Listeria

Listeria is a bacteria commonly found in deli meats, hot dogs, soft cheeses, and smoked seafood. The symptoms of a Listeria infection typically develop within one to four weeks of exposure and may include:

  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

In pregnant women, a Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in the newborn. Old adults and people with weak immune systems have a high risk of developing severe complications from Listeria infection.

How to Preventing Foodborne Illness

To prevent foodborne illness, it’s essential to practice good food safety habits such as:

  • Cooking food to the appropriate temperature: Use a food thermometer to ensure meat, poultry, and seafood are cooked to their safe minimum internal temperatures to kill any present harmful bacteria.
  • Washing hands and surfaces: Wash hands with soap and water for approximately 20 seconds before and after handling food, and clean surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water.
  • Separating raw meat from other foods: Use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw meat, poultry, and seafood to prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
  • Keeping food at safe temperatures: Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours and keep cold foods cold and hot to prevent harmful bacteria growth.
  • Avoiding high-risk foods: Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. Also, avoid unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses manufactured from unpasteurized milk.

It’s vital to pay attention to food recalls and discard any food recalled due to contamination.

Summary

Foodborne illnesses can cause serious health complications and even death. By understanding the common types of foodborne diseases and their symptoms and practicing good food safety habits, we can protect ourselves and our families from these dangerous infections. 

If you have a foodborne illness, seek medical attention and report to your local health department to help prevent the spread of infection to others.

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