What are the infectious diseases transmitted through food and drink?
Jul 30, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
In general, foodborne infectious diseases include cholera, bacterial dysentery, typhoid fever, and others. Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is primarily transmitted through ingestion of water or food contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. Patients may experience severe diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. Bacterial dysentery is an infectious intestinal disease caused by Shigella bacteria.
Generally, food- and waterborne infectious diseases include cholera, bacterial dysentery, typhoid fever, and others. Specific details are as follows:
1. Cholera: Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium *Vibrio cholerae*. It is primarily transmitted through ingestion of water or food contaminated with *Vibrio cholerae*. Patients may experience severe diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
2. Bacterial Dysentery: Bacterial dysentery is an infectious intestinal disease caused by *Shigella* bacteria. It is commonly spread via the fecal-oral route, especially through consuming contaminated food or water, or person-to-person transmission due to poor hygiene conditions. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
3. Typhoid Fever: Typhoid fever is an intestinal infection caused by *Salmonella typhi*. It is mainly transmitted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces containing the bacteria, often due to inadequate cooking of food or poor sanitary conditions. Patients may experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, diarrhea, or constipation.
In addition to the above, other diseases include amebic dysentery, viral hepatitis, and active pulmonary tuberculosis. If any of these diseases occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
