7 Bacteria in Foods That Make You Sick

Diseases can come from anywhere, even from the food you eat. Without your knowledge, in certain foods there is bacteria that may infect, causing disease and even risk of death.

Here are 7 bacteria in food that can cause disease:

1. E. coli Bacteria

Escherichia coli bacteria live in the gut of humans and other mammals like cows, sheep and goats. These bacteria are often found in half cooked meat, raw milk and contaminated water.

Symptoms of bacterial infections caused by E. coli are severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting that can last up to 5 to 10 days. Even so, most of the infections caused by bacteria E. coli is relatively harmless, but certain types such as E. coli O157: H7 can causing bloody diarrhea, kidney failure and even death.

To prevent bacterial infection caused by E. coli, cook until meat well cooked, wash fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking, and avoid consuming raw milk and unpasteurized.

2. Campylobacter

Campylobacter is a spiral-shaped bacterium and grew to infect chickens and cows without signs of disease. Most people infected with this bacteria will usually get diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever within 2-5 days after exposure from bacteria.

Diarrhea are likely to bleed and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, usually last about a week.

According to WHO, campylobacteriosis cases or Campylobacter infection is generally mild, but the bacteria can be fatal in children are very young, the elderly and people who have impaired immune systems.

The way to prevent Campylobacter infection is to cook the meat until well cooked, wash hands and clean all kitchen equipment after cutting meat, and drink only milk that has been pasteurized.

3. Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium found in soil and water, but it also found in raw foods and processed foods and unpasteurized milk. Not like other bacteria, Listeria can grow and reproduce even in cold refrigerator.

Symptoms of Listeria infection include fever, chills, headache, abdominal pain and vomiting. But for some people, the disease can become more serious and even fatal, ie pregnant women, adults over the age of 50, and people with weakened immune systems.

To prevent Listeria infection, wash vegetables and fruits such as melons and cucumbers until clean before consumption. If the meat liquid spilled on the refrigerator, wipe spills immediately to prevent the proliferation and spread of the bacteria Listeria.

4. Vibrio

Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria live in salt water and often found in the raw seafood. People who eat raw or undercooked shell can be infected with this type of bacteria.

The bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection will show symptoms after 24 hours. Symptoms appear as watery diarrhea with abdominal cramps, nausea, fever, vomiting, and shivering. Symptoms can last up to three days.

More severe infection is rare and infection is more common in people with weakened immune systems. Infection can be prevented by cooking seafood until well cooked.

5. Toxoplasma

Most people who suffered toxoplasmosis infection because of contact with cat feces that carry the parasite, eating raw meat that has been contaminated or not thoroughly cooked, or drinking water containing the parasite.

People who develop toxoplasmosis, experienced flu-like symptoms such as body aches, headache, and fever. But the symptoms are caused by bacteria toxoplasma very little because the immune system normally keep your body from infections of this parasite.

These parasites can also cause serious problems such as damage to the brain, eyes and other organs in pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

To prevent infection due to toxoplasma, cook food at secure temperatures, wash hands while holding food, drinking sterile water, and if pregnant, stay away from cat feces.

6. Salmonella

Salmonella is a group of bacteria commonly found in the avian, eggs, beef, and sometimes on fruits and vegetables which is not washed. Salmonellosis infections can cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and headaches, which can take up to 4 to 7 days.

Most people will recover from the infection without treatment, but because the bacteria Salmonella infection would have serious consequences if it occurs in the elderly, babies and people with weak immune systems.

Children under age 5 are most likely infected with salmonellosis. If not treated immediately, Salmonella can be transmitted through the blood to other organs and could be at risk of death.

To prevent infection, avoid eating eggs, avian, or meat that is raw or half cooked. Raw meat should be kept separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. Wash hands and kitchen equipment thoroughly after touching uncooked foods.

7. Norovirus

Norovirus is a type of virus that causes gastroenteritis, a disease that causes inflammation in stomach and intestines. The virus is usually found in the contaminated food or water but can also be spread through contact with an infected person.

Gastroenteritis can be highly contagious. Symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever and fatigue, which can last for several days.

Most people recover from the disease itself, but for those which is not drink enough fluids to replace what has been lost because of vomiting and diarrhea, may be required hospital treatment.

To prevent being infected by norovirus, wash your hands with soap and water and always maintain the cleanliness of the food you eat.