Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is generally not considered to be a deadly occurrence, although in extreme cases it may prove fatal. Most of the time, it is a mild and relatively quick-passing phenomenon that results from the ingestion of contaminated food. Symptoms typically arise 48 hours after eating the intoxicated edibles, and they generally pass after 24-48 hours. Overall, there are 250 different types of diseases that may be passed to people through food poisoning.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
Every year, food poisoning affects 76 million victims. Out of these individuals, up to 5,000 of them pass away from the symptoms of this illness. Those who have suffered food poisoning will likely experience the following physical effects:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Fever
In the more severe, dangerous cases, food poisoning victims may throw up blood, experience extreme dehydration, see blood in their bowels, and have a high, persistent body temperature. People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Causes of Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is caused by the ingestion of contaminated food. These edibles may be contaminated with either bacteria or viruses that infect anyone who eats them. For example, expired dairy products, spoiled or undercooked meat, and old produce are common sources of food poisoning.
Those who prepare their own food run a lower risk of suffering from this illness because they know when and where they purchased their groceries. Restaurants, cafes, picnics, and hotels, however, are all locations where food is mass-produced as cheaply as possible, and customers run a higher risk of contracting food poisoning.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know has developed food poisoning from a restaurant, packaged food item, or other source, contact the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130 to speak with a qualified attorney about your questions.