In February 2021, two children died in Santa Ana, Cagayan due to food poisoning after eating crabs called ‘Kurit” brought by their father for breakfast. According to the attending physician, the immediate cause of death is respiratory failure and the underlying cause is food poisoning. Food poisoning also known as a foodborne illness is the result of eating contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. Infectious organisms including bacteria, viruses, and parasites or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning.
Most food poisonings are caused by bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Bacteria is the most prevalent cause of food poisoning. According to the Foodborne Disease Outbreaks in the Philippines (2005–2018), pathogens were identified as causative agents for 754 morbidity cases of Food-borne poisoning in the Philippines. These pathogens identified were Salmonella spp., Salmonella enteritidis, Henipavirus, E. histolytica, V. parahaemolyticus, and E. coli. Salmonella spp. was shown as the leading microbiological cause of Foodborne Disease Outbreak poisoning in the Philippines from 2005 to Jun 2018. It is still one of the major causes of foodborne illnesses throughout the world and is generally transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated foods of animal origin mainly meat, poultry, eggs, and milk (WHO 2014). Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common cause of bloody diarrheal disease worldwide and is generally transmitted to humans through consumption of raw and undercooked seafood (WHO and FAO 2008). Escherichia coli has been linked to Foodborne Disease Outbreaks (FBDO) with 11 morbidity cases. It may also cause life-threatening illnesses like hemorrhagic colitis and other E. coli infections
Symptoms and the length of time it takes for symptoms to appear may vary depending on the source of the infection. Food poisoning signs and symptoms may start within hours or days after consuming the contaminated food. Although most people may experience mild symptoms, other symptoms can be potentially life-threatening and may cause death. Most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, watery or bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, and fever. People who experience symptoms such as frequent episodes of vomiting, bloody vomit or stools, diarrhea for more than three days, extreme abdominal pain, an oral temperature higher than 38-degree Celsius, dehydration, severe weakness, dizziness, and neurological symptoms such as blurry vision, muscle weakness and tingling in the arms are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
To avoid food poisoning at home, follow these tips: always wash your hands often before and after food preparation; separate raw from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination; cook foods thoroughly; and refrigerate perishable foods promptly. If you are not sure if a food has been prepared, served, or stored safely, just throw it out. Always remember when in doubt, throw it out. Food poisoning is especially serious and potentially life-threatening for young children, pregnant women and their fetuses, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. These individuals should take extra precautions by avoiding raw or undercooked meat and poultry, fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized milk, and raw shellfish.
-PNC-ZDN Rowence Zorilla
References:
1. 2 Kids in Cagayan Passed Away Due to Food Poisoning After Eating Crabs
https://philnews.ph/2021/02/13/2-kids-cagayan-passed-away-food-poisoning-after-eating-crabs/
2. Food Poisoning
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20356230
3. Foodborne Disease Outbreaks in the Philippines (2005–2018)
https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/images/pdf/pjs_pdf/vol148no2/foodborne_disease_outbreaks_in_the_Philippines_.pdf