Intestinal Infection

When the gastrointestinal tract inside your body is affected by viruses, bacteria or parasites, it can lead to an intestinal infection.

Salmonella

• A type of bacteria that comes from raw or undercooked meat, salmonella can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Drinking unsanitary water is also a way to obtain the bacteria.

Escherichia Coli

• Typically referred to as E. coli, these bacteria get to your intestines in undercooked beef. It also comes from consuming infected dairy products or even juices that have not been pasteurized. There are about 60 deaths a year in the United States from E. coli.

Staphylococcus

• When foods such as meat or eggs sit for long periods at room temperature, staphylococcus toxins build up. Symptoms of staphylococcus, which include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea and headache, develop within eight hours and typically last less than 12.

Parasites

• While most parasitic infections involve parasites that are microscopic, some involve parasites that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. Many parasites live in our intestines and leave us malnourished by consuming the nutrients of the foods we consume. Anyone infected with a parasite needs to seek medical attention, because some are able to make their way into the bloodstream and pose a danger.

Prevention

• It is always a great idea to wash, prepare and thoroughly cook all foods to kill bacteria and prevent infection. Effective hand washing both before and after handling raw foods will prevent most infection.