Staphylococcal Food Poisoning

Staphylococcus aureus is a very common bacteria found on the skin, nose, mouth, and throat of humans and animals. Sometimes, it also causes skin problems like acne and boils. This bacterium is capable of producing seven different toxins, which is why it is considered very harmful. It multiplies in food products like fish, dairy products, ham, poultry, bakery and egg products. It is salt tolerant and resistant to heat. Food products either uncooked or inadequately heated may get contaminated by this bacteria. Contamination is also possible through infected fingers, boils, abscesses, purulent lesions of hand, and nose. However, staphylococcal food poisoning does not spread from person to person. In food, staphylococcus aureus has an incubation period of 4 to 6 hours.

Symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Retching
• Stomach cramping
• Diarrhea
• General weakness

These are some common symptoms of staphylococcal poisoning. However, in severe cases, headache, dehydration, change in blood pressure and pulse rate and even muscle cramps may occur.

Treatment
There is no medicine for staphylococcal food poisoning. Even antibiotics are not effective for treatment, because the toxins produced by these bacteria are not affected by antibiotics. This poisoning causes a brief illness. Proper rest and consumption of plenty of fluids to calm the stomach are the possible ways to overcome the diarrhea and vomiting caused by poisoning. Patients with low resistance such as young children and the elderly people are more likely to suffer severe illness, which requires intravenous therapy and hospitalization.

Prevention

• Do not store food products for more than four hours at room temperature.
• Refrigerate cooked food items as soon as possible. To store food, use shallow, uncovered containers or covered containers with vents to allow the heat to escape.
• Wash your hands and fingernails with water and soap before preparing food. Avoid touching your face while preparing food.
• Do not let the person with exposed skin infections such as a boils or wounds on the hands, handle the food.
• Avoid touching the food with bare hands.
• Cool and reheat the food at least once.
• Avoid cooking food if you have a nose or eye infection.
• Keep the food-serving and kitchen area clean and sanitized.
• If the food is to be kept longer than two hours, keep it either hot over 140°F or cold under 40°F.

Those who have already suffered from food poisoning, should try to stick to their regular diet as much as possible. Eating your normal diet will help you get enough nutrition. Avoid eating food products that are high in fat and sugar. It is also best to avoid alcohol, spicy food, and coffee for at least 2 days after all the symptoms have disappeared.

Be careful while eating outside food because it may be contaminated by staphylococcal bacteria. Prepare and store food in hygienic conditions. Follow these simple tips and protect yourself from food poisoning.