CAJ - Food poisoning

Some of you might have already experienced a food poisoning. It’s a horrible medical condition that sometimes can have serious consequences and even lead to death. Apart from parasites and toxins, a food poisoning is most frequently caused by viruses or bacteria. 

When it comes to a food poisoning that was caused by a virus, the Norovirus is often involved. This kind of virus is responsible for about 90% of epidemic nonbacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. The most common symptoms of this disease are diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Overall, the virus is rather harmless as no long-term problems will develop. Nevertheless, due to the high loss of body water (dehydration) medical treatment should be required.

In terms of bacteria that cause a food poisoning, the most known ones are Salmonella. These bacteria can also cause gastroenteritis and another infection called salmonellosis. The latter often develops when you have eaten raw eggs. Moreover, it is also transmitted by several animals such as chickens, hamsters as well as infected pet reptiles and amphibians. In most cases the people feel well within a few days and therefore don’t require medical treatment.  Some, however, do require antibiotics and a few even hospitalization for diarrhea and dehydration.

Another form of bacteria that causes a food poisoning is Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria   hides in many foods such as sprouts, soft cheese, smoked seafood and raw milk. Usually these bacteria will not kill you either, provided that you are not one among those patients with underlying risk factors. Patients who suffer from listeriosis could die if they do not get supportive care. Actually, it is very easy to prevent this infection, namely by taking measures such as proper food handling and preparation. In Austria there has been a case where a certain kind of cheese with listeria in it was sold. Even though it was known that the cheese contains listeria, no measures were taken, or were at least taken too late.  This carelessness claimed the lives of six people. A very sad story as this could have been easily prevented.