Common Foodborne Illnesses and Their Symptoms

Understanding Common Foodborne Illnesses: Key Facts and Symptoms

Common Foodborne Illnesses and Their Symptoms affect many people every year in South Africa. These illnesses happen when you eat food contaminated by harmful germs like bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Knowing the symptoms helps you spot the problem early and get treatment quickly.

Foodborne illnesses can start within hours or days after eating contaminated food. The severity can range from mild discomfort to severe health problems, especially for children, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems.

Common Foodborne Illnesses and Their Symptoms

1. Salmonellosis (Salmonella)

   Caused by Salmonella bacteria found in raw meat, eggs, and unpasteurised milk. Symptoms usually appear 6 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food.

   Symptoms include:

   • Diarrhoea
   • Stomach cramps
   • Fever
   • Nausea and vomiting
2. Staphylococcal Food Poisoning

   Caused by toxins from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, often found on improperly stored foods like cooked meat and salads.

   Symptoms appear fast, usually within 1 to 6 hours:

   • Nausea
   • Vomiting
   • Stomach cramps
   • Diarrhoea
3. Campylobacteriosis

   Caused by Campylobacter bacteria in raw or undercooked poultry and unpasteurised milk.

   Symptoms start 2 to 5 days after eating contaminated food:

   • Diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)
   • Fever
   • Stomach pain
   • Nausea and vomiting
4. Escherichia coli (E. coli) Infection

   Some strains of E. coli cause serious illness, mainly found in undercooked beef, raw vegetables, and contaminated water.

   Symptoms can start 1 to 10 days after exposure:

   • Severe stomach cramps
   • Watery or bloody diarrhoea
   • Vomiting
   • Sometimes fever
5. Norovirus Infection

   This virus spreads easily in places like schools and hospitals. It is found in contaminated food or water.

   Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after eating or drinking:

   • Sudden vomiting
   • Diarrhoea
   • Stomach cramps
   • Fever or headache
6. Listeriosis

   Caused by Listeria bacteria in unpasteurised dairy and ready-to-eat foods like cold meats. It is serious for pregnant women, newborns, and people with weak immunity.

   Symptoms can appear from a few days up to 3 weeks after consuming contaminated food:

   • Fever
   • Muscle aches
   • Nausea
   • Diarrhoea
   • In pregnant women, miscarriage or stillbirth may occur

Early recognition of these symptoms is vital. If you or someone else shows signs of foodborne illness, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and seek medical help if symptoms worsen or persist longer than a couple of days.

Always practise good food hygiene and safe food handling to reduce the risk of these illnesses. This includes washing hands regularly, cooking food properly, and storing food at the correct temperatures.