Bacteria illnesses

Question 1

What are the common symptoms for Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) infections?

Answer 1

6 – 24 hours after exposure: Diarrhea, stomach cramps. Vomiting and fever are uncommon. Usually begins suddenly and lasts for less than 24 hours.

Question 2

What are the common food sources for Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) infections?

Answer 2

Beef or poultry, especially large roasts; gravies; dried or precooked foods

Question 3

What are the common food sources for Campylobacter infection, or campylobacteriosis?

Answer 3

Raw or undercooked poultry, raw (unpasteurized) milk, and contaminated water

Question 4

What are the common symptoms for Campylobacter infection, or campylobacteriosis?

Answer 4

2 – 5 days after exposure: Diarrhea (often bloody), stomach cramps/pain, fever

Question 5

What are the common symptoms for Salmonella infections?

Answer 5

6 hours – 6 days after exposure: Diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, vomiting

Question 6

What are the common symptoms for E. coli (Escherichia coli) infections?

Answer 6

3 – 4 days after exposure: Severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Around 5­­–10% of people diagnosed with this infection develop a life-threatening complication.

Question 7

What are the common symptoms for Yersinia enterocolitica infections?

Answer 7

The symptoms of yersiniosis depend on the age of the person infected. Infection occurs most often in young children. Common symptoms in children are fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Symptoms typically develop 4 to 7 days after exposure and may last 1 to 3 weeks or longer. In older children and adults, right-sided abdominal pain and fever may be the predominant symptoms and may be confused with appendicitis

Question 8

What are the common food sources for Yersinia enterocolitica infections?

Answer 8

Most people become infected by eating contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked pork, or through contact with a person who has prepared a pork product, such as chitlins.

Question 9

What are the common food sources for Listeria infections?

Answer 9

Queso fresco and other soft cheeses, raw sprouts, melons, hot dogs, pâtés, deli meats, smoked seafood, and raw (unpasteurized) milk.

Question 10

What are the common symptoms for Listeria infections?

Answer 10

1 – 4 weeks after exposure: Pregnant women typically experience fever and other flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue and muscle aches. Infections during pregnancy can lead to serious illness or even death in newborns.
Other people (most often older adults): headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions in addition to fever and muscle aches.

Question 11

What are the common food sources for Salmonella infections?

Answer 11

Raw or undercooked chicken, turkey, and meat; eggs; unpasteurized (raw) milk and juice; raw fruits and vegetables
Other sources: Many animals, including backyard poultry, reptiles and amphibians, and rodents (pocket pets)

Question 12

What are the common food sources for Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) infections?

Answer 12

Foods that are not cooked after handling, such as sliced meats, puddings, pastries, and sandwiches.

Question 13

What are the common symptoms Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) infections

Answer 13

30 minutes – 6 hours after exposure: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps. Most people also have diarrhea.

Question 14

What are the common food sources for Norovirus infections?

Answer 14

Contaminated food like leafy greens, fresh fruits, shellfish (such as oysters), or water
Other sources: Infected person; touching contaminated surfaces

Question 15

What are the common symptoms for Norovirus infections?

Answer 15

12 – 48 hours after exposure: Diarrhea, nausea/stomach pain, vomiting

Question 16

What are the common food sources E. coli (Escherichia coli) infections?

Answer 16

Raw or undercooked ground beef, raw (unpasteurized) milk and juice, raw vegetables (such as lettuce), raw sprouts, contaminated water