Food poisoning
Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with germs or their toxins. It often starts within hours of eating and causes vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. It is more common in summer, when food spoils quickly. Most people get better in 1 to 3 days, but young children, older people and pregnant women can become dehydrated quickly.
Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Watery diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever and chills in some cases
- Weakness and loss of appetite
- Signs of dehydration such as thirst, dry mouth and little urine
Causes
- Bacteria such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus and E. coli, or viruses
- Food left at room temperature for many hours, especially rice, meat, dairy and eggs
- Undercooked meat, chicken or eggs
- Unsafe water or ice
- Food prepared with unwashed hands or dirty utensils
Prevention
- Wash hands with soap before cooking and eating
- Cook meat, chicken and eggs well
- Eat food soon after cooking, or cool and keep it in a refrigerator
- Reheat leftovers until very hot, and do not keep them for long
- Keep raw meat away from ready-to-eat food
- Drink safe water
Treatment
- Drink small sips of ORS or clean fluids often
- Rest
- Eat light food when you feel able, such as rice, bread, yoghurt and bananas
- Most cases get better without antibiotics
- A doctor may give medicine for severe vomiting or for certain infections
- Do not start antibiotics or other prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
Is it safe to eat rice left over from last night?
Cooked rice left at room temperature can grow germs that make toxins. Cool leftover rice quickly, keep it in a refrigerator, eat it within a day and reheat it until very hot.
Should I stop the diarrhoea with medicine?
Usually not. Diarrhoea helps clear the germs. The most important thing is to replace fluids with ORS. Ask a doctor before using anti-diarrhoea medicines, and do not give them to young children.