Food-borne

diseases

Grade 12 Term 2

Week 4 Lesson 3

E. coli infection

Escherichia coli bacteria

Incubation Period

• The incubation period is usually 3-7 days after the exposure, but may be as short as 1 day or as long as 10 days.

Symptoms of E.coliinfection

Abdominal cramps

Vomiting

Fever

Diarrhoea

Transmission possibilities of E.coli infectionUnclean water

Uncooked meat

Unclean fresh vegetables

Can be hospitalised if dehydrated

PREVENTION

MEAT centre reaches 70 C

• Do not drink unpasteurised milk or juice• Fruit and vegetables should be washed before use.• Prevent cross contamination between raw and cooked food.• Wash utensils and keep surfaces clean.• Use safe clean water.• Keep all food at safe temperatures.

Gastro-enteritis

Gastro-enteritis affects the intestines

Symptoms of gastro-enteritis

Abdominal pain and cramps

Diarrhoea

Cramps

Vomiting

Symptoms usually last for 1-5 days but may persist for long as 10 days.Gastro caused by viruses may last one to two days.

COMPLICATIONS OF GASTRO

Can be life threatening for infants, older adults and people with a compromised immune system.In case of severe dehydration, hospitilisation is needed so that the lost fluids can be replaced intravenously.

Gastro-enteritis virus

Healthy guidelines

PREVENTION OF GASTRO ENTERITIS

• Stop eating solid foods for a few hours• Drink clear liquids eg apple juice• Fluid intake should be at least 200 ml an hour in adults and 50-100

ml for children.• Prevent dehydration by sucking on ice or ice lollies, or by taking

small, frequent sips • Mothers should continue to breastfeed babies with gastro unless

persistent vomiting occurs• Start eating slowly again eg dry toast, jelly grated apple and clear

soup.• Avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol and fatty or spicy food• Rest