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.
