Download Chapter 8 Foodborne Illnesses

Foodborne Illnesses
Fact Sheets
Salmonellosis
(SAL-mon-elle-O-sis)
What Is Salmonellosis?
Salmonellosis is a food-borne infection caused by Salmonella bacteria. It is one of
the main causes of food-borne illness worldwide. These bacteria grow in the small
intestine and invade the gut lining.
Symptoms & Duration:
Typical symptoms include the sudden onset of cramps accompanied by diarrhea,
nausea, fever, chills, headache and vomiting. Dehydration is possible in cases
where diarrhea is severe. The illness can last from several days to several weeks.
Most people are ill for 4-7 days and recover without treatment.
Incubation Period:
Symptoms usually appear 6 to 72 hours after swallowing the bacteria, though 1236 hours is the most common.
Recovery, Long Term Effects & Immunity:
Some strains of Salmonella can cause more serious illness like typhoid fever. In a
small number of cases, salmonella infection is dangerous and can be life
threatening to infants, children, the elderly or people with immune system
disorders. Most infections do not require treatment. Some people may recover but
become carriers of the bacteria. A small number of persons who become infected
can go on to have some degree of joint pain, eye irritation or painful urination called
“Reiter’s syndrome”. Antibiotic treatment does not appear to affect the
development of this syndrome.
How Is Salmonellosis Spread?
Salmonella bacteria are commonly found in the intestine of livestock, poultry, cats,
dogs, rats, turtles, exotic pets (i.e. iguanas) and other animals. It has also been
found in egg and egg products and on unwashed fruits and vegetables. Salmonella
infection usually occurs when people eat food contaminated with the bacteria.
Salmonellosis can pass from person to person; the bacteria are passed in the stool
(feces) and make their way to another person on unwashed hands, contaminated
food or objects. The bacteria can then be swallowed by another person making
them ill. Any raw meats may carry Salmonella. If these foods are not properly
cooked, the bacteria can survive to cause illness when these foods are eaten.
How Do You Prevent Salmonellosis Infection?
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Thorough hand washing is the best prevention. Make sure hands are properly
washed after using the toilet, changing diapers, handling animals or before
preparing foods.
Clean and sanitize counter tops and utensils after contact with raw meats and
poultry,
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
Cook meat, poultry and egg products thoroughly. Cook stuffing/ dressing
separately.
Drink only pasteurized milk. Never let children sample raw milk directly from the
animal.
Avoid using raw eggs as in homemade eggnogs and never use dirty or cracked
eggs.
Keep cold foods at 4°C or lower. Keep hot foods at 60°C or higher.
Drink water from a safe supply. Have your well water tested to ensure it is safe
to drink.
If you have diarrhea, avoid preparing or handling food.
Turtles, chicks, ducks, and exotic pets, such as iguanas, salamanders and
hedgehogs, may carry Salmonella. These are not suitable pets for small
children.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR LOCAL
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
August 2004
Campylobacteriosis
(cam-PIE-LOW-back-tear-ee-O-sis)
What Is Campylobacteriosis Infection?
Campylobacter bacteria are common bacteria that cause diarrhea in humans and
animals. Most human illness is caused by one Campylobacter species, called
Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter occurs more frequently in the summer
months than in the winter and is often associated with travelers diarrhea in
developing countries.
Symptoms & Duration:
Predominant symptoms include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain,
malaise and fever. Abdominal pain can sometimes mimic appendicitis. Some people
who become infected don't have any symptoms at all.
Incubation Period:
Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 5 days after exposure to the bacteria. Some
cases can take as long as 10 days before symptoms develop.
Recovery, Long Term Effects & Immunity:
Prolonged illness may occur in adults; relapses can happen. A typhoid like
syndrome or reactive arthritis may develop and very rarely, febrile convulsions,
Guillian-Barré syndrome or meningitis could occur.
How Is Campylobacteriosis Infection Spread?
Campylobacter is found most frequently in poultry and cattle but it can also be
found in puppies, kittens, other pets, pigs, sheep, rodents and birds. Contact with
infected animals can spread the infection to humans. You can get Campylobacter
infection by eating raw or undercooked poultry meat. Campylobacter organisms
from raw meat can spread to other foods, an example would be cutting raw poultry
meat on a board, and then using the unwashed board or utensil to prepare
vegetables not intended for cooking. You can also become infected from drinking
unpasteurized milk and contaminated water.
The organism can be spread person to person if an infected person does not
practice good hand washing especially after using the bathroom.
How Do You Prevent Campylobacteriosis Infection?
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Thorough hand washing is the best prevention. Make sure hands are properly
washed with soap and water after using the toilet or changing diapers, after
handling pets or livestock and before preparing any food.
Prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen by cleaning with soap and hot water
all counter tops and utensils after contact with raw meats and poultry,
especially before using these areas to prepare ready-to-eat foods.
If possible use separate cutting boards for preparing raw foods and cooked
foods.
Cook meat, poultry and egg products thoroughly. Make sure any meat is cooked
throughout (no longer pink) and juices run clear. Cook stuffing separately from
the bird.
Drink only pasteurized milk. Never let children sample raw milk directly from the
animal.
Keep cold foods cold at 4°C or lower keep hot foods hot at 60°C or higher.
Drink water from a safe water supply. Have your well tested to ensure it is safe
to drink.
If you are ill with diarrhea, avoid preparing or handling food and be sure to see
your doctor.
FOR MORE INFROMATION CONTACT YOUR LOCAL
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
August 2004
Shigellosis
(shi-gell-O-sis)
What Is Shigellosis?
Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella.
The disease itself is commonly referred to as dysentery. People are the only source
for Shigella bacteria. Shigella are extremely infectious bacteria, and ingestion of
just 10 organisms is enough to cause symptoms.
Symptoms and Duration:
Most people who are infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach
cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the bacteria. The diarrhea is
often bloody. Illness usually resolves in 5 to 7 days. Some individuals may have
only mild infection or no symptoms at all. Illness is normally self-limiting, lasting an
average of 4-7 days. In some cases the symptoms can be quite severe and last for
several days or weeks.
Incubation Period:
Symptoms can occur 12-96 hours after ingesting the bacteria.
Recovery, Long Term Effects & Immunity:
Disease is sometimes more severe in children than it is in adults and in some cases
there is an association with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a leading cause of
kidney failure in both young children and the elderly. Symptoms of HUS include
irritability, fatigue, paleness of the skin, puffiness around the eyes and ankles, and
decreased urine production. Anyone can become ill with shigellosis but the elderly,
malnourished and young children are considered to have an increased susceptibility.
How Is Shigellosis Spread?
Shigella lives in the intestines of infected people. The bacteria pass from one
infected person to the next. Most Shigella infections are the result of the bacterium
passing from stools or soiled hands of one person to the mouth of another person
(fecal-oral transmission). It takes so few organisms to cause illness therefore
person-to-person spread between family members is common. Shigella infections
can be acquired from eating contaminated food or drinking polluted water. Food
may become contaminated when infected food handlers do not wash their hands
properly after using the bathroom. Water may become contaminated if sewage runs
into it. Vegetables irrigated with contaminated water and shellfish harvested from
contaminated water may also spread Shigella bacteria. Flies can spread disease by
being in contact with infected feces and then landing on uncovered food.
How Do You Prevent Shigellosis Infection?
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Thorough hand washing is the best prevention. Make sure hands are washed
after using the toilet and changing diapers and before handling and eating foods.
Infected people should not work as food handlers or care providers until they
are clear.
Drink water from a safe supply. When traveling use bottled water or boil the
water for at least 5 minutes if the water supply is unknown. Remember that ice
cubes can also be contaminated. Avoid swimming in water that may be
contaminated.
Avoid eating raw shellfish harvested from unknown sources.
Protect food against flies and cockroaches.
Wash all fruits and vegetables before use.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR LOCAL
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
August 2004
Hepatitis A
(he-pa-TYE-tis)
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is an infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver.
Approximately 1000 – 3000 cases of Hepatitis A are reported each year. It is
usually a self-limiting illness.
Symptoms & Duration:
Symptoms are usually abrupt and include fever, malaise, abdominal discomfort,
loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting followed in a few days by dark
urine and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Symptoms of infection
become more severe as people become older. Young children may not show any
outward signs of infection apart from feeling “unwell”. Symptoms usually last less
than 2 months but may persist for as long as 6 months.
Incubation Period:
Symptoms usually occur within 28-30 days after the virus enters the body, but
they can begin within the range of 15–50 days.
Recovery, Long Term Effects & Immunity:
Most people recover completely and acquire life long immunity. About 15% of
people infected with Hepatitis A may experience relapsing symptoms over a 6-9
month period. Death from Hepatitis A infection is rare.
How Is Hepatitis A Virus Spread?
Hepatitis A virus is spread from person to person by putting something in the
mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with Hepatitis A.
Once infected, a person can pass the virus to others for up to two weeks or more
before they even know they are sick. They remain infectious for up to 1 week after
they get sick, especially when they have jaundice. Hepatitis A outbreaks have also
been attributed to eating shellfish or any food that comes into contact with sewage
contaminated water. Hepatitis A can also be spread through anal-oral sexual
contact with a person who has Hepatitis A. If you have had close contact with a
person with Hepatitis A, a vaccine is available that can help prevent you from
getting sick if it is given within 14 days of your contact with the ill person.
How Do You Prevent Hepatitis A Virus Infection?
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Thorough hand washing is the best prevention. Wash hands after using the
toilet, changing diapers and before handling or eating food.
Do not eat raw shellfish and avoid eating raw fish.
If traveling outside Canada, be sure the water you drink is bottled or properly
treated. Remember that ice cubes could be contaminated.
Avoid sex that involves anal contact.
Consider Hepatitis A immunization if your personal and or professional life
puts you at risk for Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A vaccine consists of one dose
with a booster, 6-12 months after the first dose. Protection is expected to
last ten years after completion of the two doses.
If traveling to an area where Hepatitis A is common, immunization should be
obtained.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR LOCAL
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
August 2004
Norovirus
(Nor-O-VI-rus)
What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a very common virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting in humans.
Noroviruses are named after the original Norwalk virus and Norwalk-like viruses.
The viruses are very small and often difficult to detect. Noroviruses are commonly
responsible for outbreaks in places where people are in close proximity to each
other. Such places include nursing homes, homes for the aged, banquets, cruise
ships, swimming pools, childcare centers, schools and restaurants
Symptoms & Duration:
Symptoms usually have a sudden onset and include watery non-bloody diarrhea,
vomiting, abdominal cramps and nausea. A low-grade fever may occur and
dehydration is possible. The illness usually lasts 24 to 48 hours; however, the
Norovirus can still be spread for up to 48 hours after the symptoms stop.
Incubation Period:
These symptoms usually appear 24 – 48 hours after exposure to the virus.
Recovery, Long Term Effects & Immunity:
Recovery is usually complete with no serious long-term complications. Immunity
against the virus is unclear and short. For some immunity may last up to 14
weeks. The incidence of illness does occur year round however it is higher in the
fall and winter.
How Is The Norovirus Spread?
Man is the only known reservoir for the Norovirus. Therefore, Noroviruses are
transmitted person to person. Noroviruses can also be transmitted through food
too. The “fecal-oral” route is the primary mode of transmission, although
environmental contamination and aerosolization of the virus help explain the rapid
spread in a group setting. Noroviruses are very contagious and only a few are
needed to cause illness.
How Do You Prevent Norwalk Infections?
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Thorough hand washing is the best prevention. Make sure hands are
properly washed after using the toilet, changing diapers and before preparing
food.
People ill with diarrhea and other Norovirus symptoms should be isolated
from others.
Carefully dispose of feces, and any materials contaminated with feces and/or
vomitus.
Clean and sanitize washrooms and all hand contact surfaces once daily or as
often as needed.
In long term care institutions, isolate ill residents from group activities until
they are symptom-free for 48 hours. Ill staff should remain off work until
symptom-free for 48 hours.
Encourage visitors to long term care institutions to wash their hands before
and after visiting the resident.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR LOCAL
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT