E. Coli, Botulism, and Salmonella

When we eat out at restaurants, we expect for the food we are served to have been stored properly, handled safely, cleaned adequately, and cooked thoroughly. When we purchase goods at the grocery store, again we expect for it to have been processed, packaged, and stored safely. Unfortunately, however, sometimes the reality of the situation does not fully meet our expectations.

If food is handled in a poor manner, it runs the risk of being contaminated by harmful bacteria and viruses. Those who eat these infected edibles are at risk of developing an illness known as food poisoning. While food poisoning is typically not fatal, it can be quite uncomfortable and painful. Three of the most common forms of food-borne illnesses are E.Coli, Botulism, and Salmonella.

E. Coli

E. coli is a type of bacteria that can cause infections in the digestive tracts of humans. There are several different strands of infectious E. coli, all of which can cause any of the following symptoms:

· Bloody diarrhea

· Severe abdominal cramping

· Nausea and vomiting

· Fatigue

Sometimes, E. coli is diagnosed as a different (yet similar) disease, such as a stomach ulcer or inflammatory bowel disease. Other times, those with E. coli infections do not experience any symptoms. This can be particularly dangerous if these individuals handle food. They can easily pass the infection onto other, unsuspecting individuals without realizing it.

Botulism

Botulism is another type of food-borne illness that is passed onto individuals through their ingestion of contaminated foods. Typically, botulism cultures grow in home-canned goods, although they can also arise in roots like garlic and potatoes. The symptoms of a botulism infection include the following:

· Nausea and vomiting

· Stomach cramps

· Difficulty breathing

· Compromised vision

· Difficulty swallowing

· Weakness

· Paralysis

Typically, botulism is treated through medication-induced vomiting or the prescription of drugs that cause bowel movements.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a disease most commonly spread to people through their ingestion of contaminated food. Like E. coli and botulism, those infected with this disease will typically get better after a few days without any outside treatment. The typical symptoms of a salmonella infection include the following:

· Diarrhea

· Nausea and vomiting

· Abdominal cramping

· Fever and chills

· Headache

· Bloody stools

· Achy muscles

If the salmonella bacteria enter the body's bloodstream, then the patient is at risk of developing a very serious condition known as bacteremia. Patients who develop this condition need immediate outside treatment in the form of antibiotics. When bacteremia is not treated, it can be deadly.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has suffered from any of these types of food poisoning as the result of poor restaurant or food manufacturing sanitation, then you may have the right to claim compensation. The St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers of Beltz & Ruth, P.A. have the experience necessary to help you recover the damages you deserve. To learn more, please visit http://www.personal-injuries-attorneys.com/ today.