Millions of people around the world get sick because of the food they have eaten.  Most of these can be avoided by practicing sanitary and hygienic food preparation and handling.  These are the most common bacteria that cause people around the world to get sick.

1.    Campylobacter is found in the intestines of birds and most poultry.  Campylobacter can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever.  It is the most common cause of diarrhea in the world.  The bacteria lives in the intestine of healthy birds and may be passed on to humans when eating undercooked chicken or poultry.
2.    Salmonella causes salmonellosis.  This bacteria can be found in the intestines of birds, mammals and reptiles.  It comes to human contact via the different foods of animal origin.  Salmonellosis causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.  A person who has a weak immune system or poor health can cause life threatening infections.
3.    E Coli is a bacterial pathogen found in the reservoir of cow or cattle.  Humans come into contact with this bacteria by consuming water contaminated with cow feces.  E Coli infection causes bloody diarrhea, sever abdominal cramps and mild fever.  In some cases, E Coli infections develop into hemolytic uremic syndrome  or HUS. This complication causes temporary anemia, profuse bleeding and kidney failure.

Government Agencies and the World Health Organization tell us that the incidence of food related illnesses or food poisoning can be lowered by practicing good hygene and sanitary food handling when cooking or coming into contact with food.  Simple acts like washing the hands before and after eating reduces the risk of food contamination.  Rotten or rotting food should also be thrown away as these become natural breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.  When cooking always make sure that there is adequate heat and that food is cooked before serving.

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