|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Types of Foodborne Diseases

There are more than 250 foodborne diseases, most of which are infections that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins and chemicals. Although every disease affects people differently, some common symptoms of these infections are vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Some foodborne diseases are botulism, hepatitis A, salmonellosis, gastroenteritis and illnesses caused by E. coli.

  1. Botulism

    • Botulism is a foodborne disease that is caused by a nerve toxin, which is made by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, and usually found in contaminated canned foods. People with botulism generally experience symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, constipation and/or muscle paralysis.

    Hepatitis A

    • Hepatitis A is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through food that is infected during harvesting and processing or through a person who handles food while infected. People with Hepatitis A will generally have symptoms such as a fever, jaundice, nausea and/or a lack of appetite.

    Salmonellosis

    • Salmonellosis is a foodborne disease that is caused by the salmonella bacteria and spread through contact with human or animal feces. People with this disease experience symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.

    Gastroenteritis

    • Gastroenteritis is a foodborne illness that is defined by the stomach and small or large intestines becoming inflamed. It is caused by viruses such as noroviruses, adenoviruses and astroviruses. It can be spread through contaminated food and beverages as well as close contact with someone who is infected. Some symptoms of this illness are headaches, diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

    E. Coli Illnesses

    • Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a term that refers to a large group of bacterium, some of which can cause illnesses such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, hemolytic uremic syndrome, urinary tract infection, pneumonia and respiratory infections. This type of bacteria is generally found in contaminated food and water. Some E. coli illnesses can cause symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, loss of color in the cheeks and eyelids and/or fatigue.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles