FOOD BORNE ILLNESS

Foodborne illness is caused by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. Many different disease-causing microbes or pathogens can contaminate foods, so there are many different types of foodborne illnesses. Most foodborne diseases are infections caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Other diseases are poisonings caused by harmful toxins or chemicals that have contaminated food. 

Foodborne illness -- also called food poisoning -- is, unfortunately, becoming increasingly common. News stories about food recalls and alerts pop up now with alarming frequency.

Foodborne illnesses are usually caused by eating food contaminated by certain types of bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals, or other toxins. Pathogens may also be spread through drinking water, by contact with animals, or from one person to another.

Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. The onset of symptoms tends to be sudden. The symptoms usually resolve on their own, but not always. Food poisoning can sometimes cause serious long-term illness. These include: 

Kidney Failure / Hus

Being infected with some strains of E. coli bacteria can cause hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious illness that can injure kidneys, destroy red blood cells, and leave the infected person vulnerable to kidney problems for years to come.