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Most infectious intestinal diseases are caused by microorganisms that enter the human body through food. One of the most common food-borne infections in Lithuania is salmonellosis, which is caused by the bacteria Salmonella, also called salmonella.
“Salmonellosis is dangerous because it is not caused by individuals, but by outbreaks, that is, a group of people eating the same food. Outbreaks of this disease are often associated with the activities of food processing companies, but of course they also occur in the domestic environment, ”says Brigita Rašimaitė, chief specialist of the NVSC’s Communicable Disease Management Division.
Symptoms of Salmonellosis
The disease manifests itself in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain and headache. The most common symptoms begin after 12 to 72 hours. of infection. The incubation period for the disease depends on the amount of salmonella in food. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and many recover without specific treatment.
In some patients, bacteria can enter the bloodstream from the intestine, in which case the infection can be complicated by damage to any organ. “These bacteria generally enter the human body through the consumption of dangerous animal foods (contaminated with bacteria and untreated): eggs, chicken, milk,” recalls the epidemiologist.
What is important to know when buying and consuming eggs?
– Buy eggs only at official outlets or farmers. Note the expiration date of the eggs: the eggs are suitable for consumption for 28 days after laying.
– When buying eggs, make sure they are clean and that the shells are not cracked, free of deformation, free of foreign matter and free of any odor.
– Store purchased eggs in the refrigerator so they do not come into contact with other foods.
– Wash the eggs clean before cooking (it is better not to wash the eggs purchased in advance, this preserves the natural film of the shell, which protects the egg from the entry of microorganisms).
– Boil or fry the eggs well (the yolks must be hard).
– Wash all utensils and tools, as well as your hands, thoroughly after contact with raw eggs.
– Store heat-treated eggs and cream-filled confectionery containing raw yolks and / or protein in the refrigerator.
The specialist points out that any food can become a source of contagion if it is not prepared hygienically, that is why it is very important wash your hands and kitchen utensils well. Always wash your hands before cooking, eating, or handling raw meat or coming into contact with raw eggs.
Wash as often as possible (with hot water with dishwasher detergents), clean the surfaces of kitchen cabinets, cutting boards and tools. Do not use the same tools that were used to cut raw meat for other foods.
Avoid cross contamination of food. When buying food, it is important to ensure that raw food in the shopping cart that needs to be heat treated does not come into contact with food that will be consumed without further heat treatment. Cook or fry meat thoroughly, eggs, fish. Liquid that distinguishes itself from well-prepared meats or poultry should be clear but not pink.
Healthy and cheerful st. Easter!
