Food Borne Illnesses Flashcards
Approximately how many hospitalizations and deaths are there in Canada relating to food borne illnesses each year?
11,600 hospitalizations and 238 deaths
How many bacteria, parasites and viruses are there that are known to cause food borne illnesses?
At least 30
What are the 5 most common culprits in Canada?
Norovirus, listeria, salmonella, e. coli and campylobacter.
What is campylobacter?
Campylobacter is a group of bacteria that causes campylobacteriosis. Typically the two species that affect humans are campylobacter jejuni and campylobacter coli.
Where is campylobacter found?
Campylobacter is found in the intestines of animals. People can get campylobacteriosis by eating undercooked meat, drinking unpasteurized milk or drinking untreated water. You can also get it from being in contact with infected animals. Food handlers that do not properly wash their hands after touching raw meat can also contaminate food with their hands.
What symptoms does campylobacteriosis cause?
The symptoms typically occur two to five days following an exposure but can also occur anywhere in the range of one day to one month after exposure:
- diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus)
- stomach pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- malaise
- fever
Who is at risk from campylobacteriosis?
Although anyone can become sick from it, children under 5 and young adults are more likely to get sick. Recovery typically takes about 10 days but complications can occur. Young children, elders, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience complications.
How do you treat and prevent campylobacteriosis?
Campylobacteriosis is diagnosed using a stool test. People recovering should take great care to stay hydrated.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a very infectious group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis. They were first named after Norwalk, a city in Ohio, where the virus was first identified in 1972.
Where is norovirus found?
The viruses are found throughout North America. They easily spread form one person to another most commonly through direct contact with an infected person. They are found in the stool and vomit of infected people. Water borne outbreaks can occur when drinking water is contaminated from wells and recreational water. Additionally, shellfish (such as oysters) harvested from contaminated water have been linked to outbreaks.
What symptoms do a norovirus cause?
The symptoms begin 24 to 48 hours after an exposure and are most commonly nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Who is at risk from a norovirus?
Young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at a greater risk for severe illness. Great care needs to be taken to avoid dehydration in those affected.
How do you treat and prevent a norovirus?
A norovirus is diagnosed using a stool test. There is no vaccine or antiviral to treat the illness but healthy people normally recover on their own within a day or two.
What is salmonella?
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes salmonellosis. It resides in the intestines of animals and birds.
Where is salmonella found?
Contaminated foods are typically of animal origin. They can be poultry, meat or eggs, however, all food can become contaminated. Causes include eating raw or undercooked eggs, meat, poultry or contaminated foods such as fruits and vegetables. Using unwashed utensils or surfaces that have come in contact with the virus is another way to become exposed. People can also become infected by exposure to infected animals, including all kinds of pets.
