Transmissible Infections and Parasites Found in Untreated Berries
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A recent warning from doctors highlights the potential risks of consuming unwashed or spoiled berries. These seemingly innocent fruits can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can lead to a variety of health issues.
Unwashed berries can potentially transmit bacterial infections such as those caused by Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella. Outbreaks linked to contaminated blueberries and freeze-dried fruits have led to recalls due to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and in severe cases, life-threatening illness.
The viral threats are just as concerning. Norovirus and Hepatitis A viruses can contaminate fresh fruits and berries, leading to gastroenteritis and liver infection, respectively. These viruses pose significant public health risks due to their fecal-oral transmission and high infectivity through contaminated produce.
Parasitic infections, while less common, should not be overlooked. Parasites such as Cyclospora and Cryptosporidium can contaminate unwashed fresh produce, potentially causing gastrointestinal illness.
Hepatitis A virus, in particular, is transmitted through unwashed or spoiled berries and can cause liver inflammation, weakness, jaundice, and abdominal pain. This virus is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immunity.
Noroviruses can get onto berries through contaminated water, a common source of contamination. These viruses can cause gastrointestinal infections with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
It's important to note that these infections can be transmitted onto berries even when they appear clean and fresh. Consuming unwashed or spoiled berries can also transmit Listeriosis (Listeria monocytogenes), which can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immunity.
To minimize these infection risks, it's crucial to wash berries thoroughly before consumption, handle them safely, and avoid spoiled produce. Proper washing, safe handling, and avoidance of spoiled produce are critical to maintaining a healthy diet and minimizing the risk of illness.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Listeria monocytogenes. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/
[2] Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Salmonella. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/salmonella
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Hepatitis A. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/outbreaks.htm
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Norovirus. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/
[5] Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Fruits and vegetables. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/foods/buy-store-serve-safe-food/fruits-and-vegetables
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