Differences Between E. Coli & Salmonella
We
have all heard of E-coli and Salmonella
contaminating our food, but have never been too fussed to find out what they
actually are.
Are
they the same thing or are they even similar to each other? Let’s find out!
Salmonella
and E. coli
Salmonella
is the name of the group of over 2,500 types of bacteria that most commonly
causes food poisoning in humans and animals.
Salmonella is spread by ingesting
foods that are contaminated by salmonella such as raw eggs, raw meat, eggs,
fruits, vegetables, and contaminated water.
Contamination
takes place when these foods come into contact with animal or human feces and
are not cooked properly.
Symptoms
of Salmonella are diarrhea, vomiting, fever, cramps, headache, and last around
4-7 days. Symptoms can get more serious in infants and the elderly but overall
will go away by themselves.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a
gram-negative bacterium that is commonly found in the lower intestine of
warm-blooded organisms. While some strains are harmless, others can cause
severe food poisoning for humans.
E. coli infection is normally caused by
contaminated food such as undercooked meat, lettuce milk, dairy or juice. However
it can also be found in drinking water.
The
bacteria lives in the intestines without (Most of the times) causing any
problems.
However, several strains of E-coli can cause food poisoning and
result in serious issues where bleeding and hemorrhaging occurs.
You
can get E-coli by eating foods that have been improperly processed or harvested
that may have come into contact with animal or human feces. However it can also
be found in drinking water.
The truth is, anytime there is a
natural
disaster there is the possibility of E. coli contamination of tap
water.
 |
| Acqua Tedela Water Pump |
The
most common symptom of E-coli is recognized by symptoms which involve a bloody
stool, which should be taken to immediate hospital care.
Salmonella
and E-coli outbreaks are both rooted by the contamination of feces, but are
different bacteria that pose different risks.
Now
that you have educated yourself on the differences, it is most important to
keep yourself
healthy and free from these bacteria.
 |
| Mazaki Automatic Pump Controller |
How
to protect yourself
The
best way to avoid any infection from E-coli and Salmonella is to maintain
hygiene.
Always thoroughly wash your vegetables and fruits as they may have
come into contact with dirt which may have been contaminated by feces.
In
fact, E-coli and Salmonella can be passed by a simple shake of a hand from people
who have not washed their hands after relieving their bowel. Thus, always wash
your hands before eating.
Secondly,
it is always important to cook your meat thoroughly, especially chicken. Those
who crave their meat nice and rare, pose a risk to catching one of these
infections.
 |
| Reverse Osmosis |
Lastly,
it is important to maintain clean drinking water in your household so that your
family does not consume E-coli or Salmonella from your water source.
A
purified drinking water system will be your best bet
to safe water!
Related Posts:
source: freedrinkingwater.com
No comments:
Post a Comment