Salmonella and E. coli are bacteria and top 2 causes of food poisoning in the world. They are similar bacteria, salmonella evolved from E. coli about a million years ago, which explains their same means of transmission and common symptoms. But, they are different as E. coli is much more heterogeneous compared to salmonella, and therefore has more dangerous effects.
Salmonella causes Salmonellosis which is one of the world’s common infections of food poisoning with tens of millions of cases reported annually. Salmonella infections are more common in the summer than the winter because it grows faster in higher temperatures. Infections from salmonella can cause fever, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and pain. Although most people get better on their own within 4-7 days, make sure you see a doctor if your case is severe.
Escherichia coli (E. coli), is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines and sometimes gut of some animals. Although most types of E. coli are harmless, some species are pretty harmful and can cause infections like food poisoning, fever, adult kidney failure, seizures, pneumonia, and urinary tract diseases. Although most people get better within 10 days, some severe cases can extend beyond that. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is best you seek professional help.
Common causes:
Both Salmonella and E. coli are present in the intestines and feces of both humans and animals and they both require ingestion for infection to be initiated.
Common ways of infections include:
- Eating undercooked or raw contaminated foods
- Drinking contaminated water
- Eating or drinking improperly processed dairy products
- Swimming or playing in contaminated water
- Having contact with feces
- Having contact with infected animals
- Eating improperly washed fruits and vegetables
- Having contact with infected people
Prevention
The best ways to protect yourself and your family from salmonella and E. coli infections is to:
- Maintain good personal hygiene: ensure to wash your hands especially:
- After playing with pets
- Using the toilet
- Caring for infected people
- Before eating.
- Maintain good cooking practices: in the kitchen, you can also prevent infections by
- Always washing and cooking meat and vegetables properly
- Washing ready to eat fruits properly
- Washing cooking garments and utensils
- Cleaning cooking surfaces
- Thawing meat in the refrigerator and not at room temperature
- Separating meats and other raw foods from fruits, vegetables and other ready to eat products when shopping.
- Maintain clean drinking water
- Avoid swallowing water while swimming
- Avoid going to pools when infected and within two weeks of recovery.
Legal Action
If you suspect that food from a restaurant caused you to experience food poisoning, let our experienced attorneys explain your legal options. You could be eligible to pursue compensation. To find out more, fill out our online form and schedule your free consultation.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
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- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
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- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
