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List of Deadly Soil & Herb Diseases That Affect Humans

As delicious and wholesome as fresh herbs and produce may be, they can still host a variety of dangers if grown in contaminated soil or if improperly washed. There are several types of harmful microbes and diseases lurking in the soil and on fresh herbs; these are three of the most widespread and deadly.

  1. E. coli

    • There are close to 100 types of Escherichia coli bacteria, the majority of them beneficial to intestinal health in humans and animals. There are, however, four known strains of E. coli that produce toxins harmful to humans. Probably the most dangerous is E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening kidney damage and diarrhea and, occasionally, death. This type of E. coli resides in the manure of otherwise healthy cattle. If proper care isn't taken, this E. coli can spread easily to ground beef, water and soil used for food crops. Always cook ground beef very well and wash produce before consuming. Take extra care with herbs that have tiny florets or intricate leaves, like parsley, because E. coli can hide in the crevices.

    Staphylococcus

    • Staphylococcus aureus can be found in the nose mucosa of healthy people, in bodily fluids of infected people, in healthy or infected animals, in contaminated food and occasionally in the soil. Staphylococcus is a normal microbe in soil; it can become infectious when it comes into contact with an open wound, even one as minor as an acne site or a shaving cut. Even then, the average person is not at risk for a serious infection. Those at risk include breastfeeding mothers, those with weakened immune systems, and the very young or old. Hospitals can sometimes be breeding sites for the staphylococcus microbe, especially if proper hand washing routines are not followed. Complications of staphylococcus include skin lesions, septic shock and, in extreme cases, death.

    Botulism

    • Injecting Botox (manufactured from the botulinum bacteria) may make you look younger, but ingesting the botulinum toxin can lead to a serious case of botulism and even death. The Clostridium botulinum bacteria live in soil, water and animals and produce toxic spores that are the true source of botulism. Symptoms of infection include blurred vision, fatigue, and paralysis of the face, chest or extremities. Extreme cases can lead to respiratory failure and death. To ensure your food is botulinum-free, boil home-canned food as long as the recipe recommends. Discard store-bought metal cans with bulges or holes. Refrigerate at all times oil infused with herbs.

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