Common foodborne illnesses

Causes, symptoms and prevention

Consuming contaminated food can result in illnesses and food allergies

While these diseases may be self-contained, sometimes they can be very serious and even fatal.

Most types of foodborne illness can cause one or more of the following symptoms:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Cramps and abdominal pain

Vomiting and diarrhoea can dehydrate you. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate.

The presence of blood or mucus in the stool and/or fever are signs of an infection that may require a medical consultation.

Some of the most common foodborne illnesses:

Salmonella infection (Salmonellosis) is a very common bacterial disease affecting the intestinal tract, with millions of cases reported every year. It can be contracted from uncooked meats, dirty water, fertilisers made using manure, pets and poor hygiene.

Symptoms can include diarrhea, headaches, fevers and abdominal cramps, normally appearing within 8 to 72 hours. These usually last only a few days and no medical attention is required. In severe cases, people may be hospitalised.

Salmonella can be prevented by:

Correctly cooking meats.
Refrigerating and freezing food.
Washing hands with warm water and soap after touching animals or food.
Washing raw vegetables and fruits.

E. Coli is a type of bacteria found in some animals. Most types of E. Coli are harmless and actually help keep the digestive tract healthy. However, a few strains of Ecoli are harmful and can cause infection. People can get infected by drinking dirty water or eating contaminated food. Symptoms can include stomach cramps, diarrhoea , nausea, fatigue and in some cases, light fevers.

The Norovirus, also called winter vomiting bug, is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea). It can be spread through contaminated food or contact with eyes, nose or mouth. Symptoms appear very fast after contracting the virus and recovery is generally very quick. These symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue.

Listeria is caused by bacteria that lives in soil, water, dust and animal waste. Meats that aren’t properly processed, unpasteurised milk and raw vegetables contaminated by manure or soil are most likely to give you listeria. The main symptoms are nausea, muscle aches, fevers and diarrhoea. For most healthy people, the disease does not pose a threat and usually passes in a few days.

In some cases, especially in pregnant women, seniors and people with weak immune systems, the symptoms can be life threatening. Known as listeriosis, symptoms include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Listeriosis affects the nervous system and is fatal in 20% of cases.

Did you know?

Over 200 different diseases can be spread through food.