Facts about Food poisoning
2 min read
By Kefah Mecha
Food poisoning is caused by swallowing food or water contaminated by bacteria, parasites, viruses or their toxins.
Symptoms
Onset of the symptoms varies depending on the contaminant responsible. These symptoms include:
- Abdominal Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
Causes
There are many types of bacteria or parasitic agents that cause food poisoning
Campylobacter which takes 2 to 5 days before the symptoms starts to show.
Giardial Lambila is another parasite which causes food poisoning. The parasite takes one to two weeks for symptoms to appear.
Other contimants includes Clostridium botulinum, Escherichia coli, Hepatis A hysteria, Rotavinis, Salmonella vibrio,Shigela,Staphylococuss aureus and Norovirus.
Treatment
It depends on the severity of your symptoms and the source of the illness. For most people the illness resolves without treatment within a few days.
Treatment may also include;
- A) Replacement of fluids and electrolytes
Minerals such as Sodium, potassium and Calcium play a major role in balancing of the fluid in the body. Persistent diarrhea leads to lose these minerals. There is need to replace them as early as possible to prevent severe dehydration.
- B) Antibiotics
In severe cases your Doctor may prescribe if confirmed that you have a certain kinds of bacterial food poisoning and symptoms are severe. The sooner the treatment begins the better.
Prevention
- Wash your hands, Utensils and food surfaces often
- Cook foods to a safe temperature
- Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods promptly
- Defrost food safely
- Throw out food that you doubt
- Make correct use of toilets/pit latrines
