Since the outbreak of E.Coli Infection from flour came in 21 states, affecting forty people, everyone is made conscious of the possibility to be added to this list. The awareness from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the Multistate Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E.Coli in Flour is something that is disregarded at certain levels today though. Are you being careful along with the different points given to fight the infection?
Consumer Reports has presented five ways to keep yourself from E.Coli infection from flour:
1. Do not eat raw doughs and batter
2. Do not let kids play with arts and crafts play doughs and the likes. If they will, make sure that the hands are thoroughly cleansed after playing.
3. Avoid eating no-cook dishes or toppings like icings and truffles and the likes.
4. Always throw away the old flour bag and use a new bag.
If you get infected with E.Coli and you do not know it, some possible symptoms will be vomiting or nausea, fever, fatigue, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea (water or very bloody). If you happen to feel these and suspect that you are hit by the infection, make sure that you get proper medication or help yourself to be in the hospital so the doctor can attend to you before the infection gets worse.
Ultimately, to avoid food poisoning and prevent E.Coli infection, you should handle food safely. There is no other way to have your foods secure from the infection but to keep them cooked and clean. Cook the meat well. An infected meat could have the bacteria alive and ready to infect you if you cooked it under 160°F (71°C). Always wash fruits and vegetables before you have them eaten or cooked as well. Also, do not go for unpasteurized milk and juices.
Also to add, when you get to the pool, avoid swallowing water? E.Coli might be swimming freely with you too.
