Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is a common, yet distressing and sometimes

life-threatening problem for millions of people in the U.S. and
throughout the world. People infected with food-borne
organisms may be symptom-free or may have symptoms
ranging from mild intestinal discomfort to
severe dehydration and bloody diarrhea. Depending on the
type of infection, people can even die as a result of food
poisoning.
More than 250 different diseases can cause food poisoning.
Some of the most common diseases are infections caused by
bacteria, such as Campylobacter,Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli
O157:H7, Listeria, botulism, and norovirus.

What Is Campylobacter Infection?

Campylobacter is a bacterium that causes acute diarrhea.
Transmission usually occurs through ingestion of contaminated
food, water, or unpasteurized milk, or through contact with
infected infants, pets, or wild animals.
Symptoms of campylobacter include:

Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)

Nausea and vomiting

Abdominal pain and/or cramping

Malaise (general uneasiness)

Fever

Is Campylobacter Infection a Serious Health

Concern?
Campylobacter infection can be serious, especially in those
with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, campylobacter
infection can cause additional problems such as reactive
arthritis or brain and nerve problems. Occasionally, these
problems occur after the diarrhea has stopped.

How Is Campylobacter Infection Diagnosed

and Treated?
If you think you may have been exposed to campylobacter
infection, see your doctor. By testing a sample of stool, the
bacteria can be identified.
If you are found to have the infection, you will likely recover on
your own without treatment within two to five days. Drink
plenty of fluids to prevent becoming dehydrated.
In more severe cases, antibiotics (such as erythromycin), if
given early in the illness, can be used to shorten the length of
time you are sick.

What Is Salmonella?
Can Salmonella Infection Cause Serious Health
Problems?
Although most people recover completely (which sometimes
can take several months), salmonella infection may cause a
condition known as reactive arthritis in a small percentage of
people. Symptoms include joint pain, eye irritation, and pain
when urinating. The joint pain may develop into
chronic arthritis.
Salmonella infection rarely causes death, although it can occur
in the very young, very old, or among those who have
compromised immune systems.