Health
5 of the top sources of foodborne illness and how to prevent it
The McDonald’s E. coli outbreak — which has now sickened more than 100 people, per reports — has spotlighted the risk of foodborne illnesses.
The E. coli infections were linked to contaminated onions served on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), which continues to investigate the outbreak.
Many other foods could potentially transmit dangerous bacteria if stored or prepared in an unsafe manner, experts say, with an estimated 48 million people (one in six) affected each year, per the CDC.
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Fox News Digital spoke with food safety experts about some of the most prevalent foodborne illnesses and how to prevent them.
1. E. coli
E. coli — officially known as Escherichia coli — is a type of bacterium found in the environment, foods and intestines of people and animals, according to the CDC.
E. coli — officially known as Escherichia coli — is a type of bacterium found in the environment, foods and intestines of people and animals. (iStock)
The bacterium can spread via contaminated food or water or contact with animals, environments or other people, the same source stated.
Eating meat that has not been cooked sufficiently to kill E. coli can cause infection, according to Mitzi D. Baum, CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness in Chicago.
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“Among other known sources of infection is consumption of sprouts, lettuce, salami, unpasteurized milk (and milk products) and unpasteurized juice, and swimming in or drinking sewage-contaminated water,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Bacteria in the diarrheal stools of infected persons can be passed from one person to another if hygiene or handwashing habits are inadequate,” Baum added.
Symptoms and treatment
Symptoms of E. coli illness include — but are not limited to — severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, respiratory illness, urinary tract infections, fever and pneumonia, according to the CDC.
E. coli can become “dangerous or deadly” in very young people, older adults and those with compromised immune systems, who may develop a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), according to Baum.
Symptoms of E. coli illness may include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, respiratory illness, urinary tract infections, fever and pneumonia. (iStock)
Symptoms of HUS may include fever, abdominal pain, pale skin tone, fatigue, irritability, decreased urination, swelling, and small, unexplained bruises or bleeding from the nose and mouth, the expert added.
“Non-specific supportive therapy, including hydration, is important,” Baum said.
E. coli can become “dangerous or deadly” in very young people, older adults and those with compromised immune systems.
“There is no evidence that treatment with antibiotics is helpful, and taking antibiotics may increase the risk of HUS.”
Treatment often consists of supportive care, Baum said, with close monitoring of kidney (renal) functioning, hemoglobin and platelet counts.
2. Listeria
Listeria is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the country, according to the CDC.
The bacterium is known to spread easily in delis and in environments where food is prepared.
The Listeria bacterium is known to spread easily in delis and in environments where food is prepared. (iStock)
“The bacterium has been found in a variety of raw foods, such as uncooked meats and vegetables, as well as in foods that become contaminated after cooking or processing, such as soft cheeses, smoked seafood, and processed meats such as hot dogs and deli meat,” Baum said.
“Unpasteurized (raw) milk and cheeses and other foods made from unpasteurized milk are particularly likely to contain the bacterium.”
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Listeria is killed by pasteurization and cooking, Baum noted, but some ready-to-eat foods may become contaminated before packaging.
“Unlike most bacteria, Listeria can grow and multiply in some foods in the refrigerator,” she warned.
Symptoms and treatment
The most common symptoms of listeria infection include fever, fatigue and muscle aches, per the CDC.
“Someone with listeriosis usually has fever and muscle aches, which are sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms,” Baum said.
“Almost everyone diagnosed with listeriosis has an ‘invasive’ infection where the bacterium spreads beyond the GI tract.”
Listeria is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the country, according to the CDC. (BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images)
Some people also experience stiff neck, headaches, balance problems, seizures or disorientation.
Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.
“A person in a high-risk category who experiences fever and other non-specific symptoms, such as fatigue and aches, within two months of eating contaminated food should seek medical care,” Baum advised.
3. Norovirus
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines, per the CDC.
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“Norovirus, also known as Norwalk-like virus, is a leading cause of gastroenteritis in the U.S.,” Dr. Amber Charoen, a board-certified gastroenterologist with Gastro Health in Kennewick, Washington, told Fox News Digital.
“It can spread with as few as 10 particles through contaminated food, vomit, stool and even person-to-person contact.”
Symptoms and treatment
While it is often referred to as a “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” norovirus is not related to influenza.
“Symptoms of norovirus vary, but those infected tend to have a mix of low-grade fever, chills, vomiting, headache, muscle aches and fatigue,” Baum said.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines, per the CDC. (iStock)
“In addition, norovirus outbreaks typically produce nausea (more often in children), watery diarrhea (more often in adults) and stomach cramps.”
There is no specific medicine to treat norovirus, according to Baum.
“If you have norovirus illness, drink plenty of liquids to replace fluids lost from throwing up and diarrhea,” she advised.
4. Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacterium that is often linked to poultry, eggs, dairy and other foods like fresh produce, meats and nuts, according to Charoen.
Infections can be caused by consuming contaminated chicken, pork, fruits, seeded vegetables, other produce, beef and turkey, the CDC states on its website. Germs can spread to other foods through cross-contamination.
Salmonella is a bacterium that is often linked to poultry, eggs, dairy and other foods like fresh produce, meats and nuts. (iStock)
Symptoms and treatment
Most people who are infected experience diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever, according to the CDC. Headaches, vomiting and nausea can also occur.
Most patients notice symptoms within six hours to six days after getting infected, and they usually last for four to seven days.
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“Most people recover without specific treatment,” Baum said. “Antibiotics are typically used only to treat people with severe illness.”
Patients should drink extra fluids as long as diarrhea is occurring, she advised.
5. Campylobacter
Campylobacteriosis is a bacterium most often associated with eating raw or undercooked poultry or from cross-contamination of other foods by these items, according to Baum.
Campylobacteriosis is a bacterium most often associated with eating raw or undercooked poultry or from cross-contamination of other foods. (iStock)
“Many chicken flocks are infected with Campylobacter but show no signs of illness,” she noted.
“Campylobacter can easily spread from bird to bird through a common water source or through contact with infected feces.”
Symptoms and treatment
Typical symptoms of Campylobacteriosis illness include diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain and fever.
“Diarrhea caused by this infection can be either watery or bloody, depending on the area of the intestines affected, and typically begins two to five days after exposure,” said Charoen.
In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, Campylobacter infection has also been linked to long-term issues like reactive arthritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can affect the joints and nervous system, Charoen added.
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Almost all people infected with Campylobacter recover without any specific treatment, according to Baum.
“Patients should drink extra fluids as long as the diarrhea lasts,” she advised.
“In more severe cases, antibiotics such as azithromycin or erythromycin can shorten the duration of symptoms if given early in the illness.”
Typical symptoms of Campylobacteriosis illness include diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain and fever. (iStock)
Beyond the five listed above, there are other bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
These include Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Clostridium perfringens, toxoplasma and others.
Preventing foodborne illness
Dr. Benjamin Barlow, an emergency physician and chief medical officer of American Family Care — a provider of urgent care, accessible primary care and occupational medicine in Alabama — provided the following guidance for preventing contamination of foods.
“You can prevent foodborne illnesses by washing your hands after touching any animals or their food, or being in their environment,” Barlow, the former senior White House physician for Presidents Obama and Trump, told Fox News Digital.
“Avoid eating any undercooked food such as ground beef, poultry or eggs and raw/unpasteurized milk, including cheeses made with it,” he added.
Experts say to wash any fruits and vegetables before cooking and to keep raw meat separate from other foods. (iStock)
Before beginning food prep, wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, Barlow advises.
“Also, wash your hands between touching raw meats and other food before eating,” he said. “If you can, wear gloves while preparing food.”
It’s also best practice to wash any fruits and vegetables before cooking and to keep raw meat separate from other foods.
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When cooking food, use a thermometer to make sure it reaches the safe minimum internal temperature, Barlow emphasized.
Safe temperatures are 165°F for chicken and 145°F for beef, pork and shellfish.
Safe temperatures are 165°F for chicken and 145°F for beef, pork and shellfish.
It’s also important to check expiration dates and discard expired items, experts agree.
“Make sure food is refrigerated within two hours of being cooked – this is especially important as we enter the season of holiday parties,” Barlow said.
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“In the summer heat, food should be refrigerated after one hour.”
Anyone experiencing any gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting, should not prepare any food to avoid passing on the bacterium or virus, the doctor added.
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Washington, DC – GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have become a prevalent part of American healthcare, and the current administration is getting behind the movement.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in the nation’s capital on July 6, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz voiced his support for the use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, such as Ozempic, for appropriate uses.
“I’m a fan of GLP-1 drugs when used correctly,” he said. “They do help people who are overweight lose weight quite effectively. They’re not a replacement for diet and exercise, but they might jumpstart the system so it’s easier for you to use healthier tactics.”
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This is especially helpful for those who may have trouble moving due to joint pain or are experiencing internal dysfunction, Oz said.
Certain GLP-1 drugs are covered by Medicare for overweight candidates with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and Oz projected the benefits will continue to benefit taxpayers.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured in Washington, D.C., at the Great American State Fair, where he spoke about federal health policy. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
“We believe these are so effective in reducing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that they’ll actually save money for the federal taxpayer, because [they’re] going to make you healthy enough that you don’t have to consume health services,” Oz said.
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“We think about 70% of all the money we spend on healthcare is caused by chronic conditions, and obesity is the No. 1 driver of all that, so it’s a smart decision.”
Oz recently announced the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will allow more seniors to access GLP-1 drugs for only $50 a month if they meet qualifying health criteria and receive prior authorization from a doctor.
The doctor expressed support for broadening affordable access to GLP-1 medications for Americans. (iStock)
“There are a lot of overweight people who don’t have high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, so they don’t get access to the drug normally,” he said. “We want them to have the ability to use it as well.”
Although these access shifts could boost Americans’ overall health — and in some cases could be lifesaving — Oz noted that there is “no silver bullet” when it comes to these medications.
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“I love the fact that the innovation that’s coming out of pharmaceutical companies is allowing us to save lives and make lives better,” he said. “But the real secret to longevity is eating right, exercising, sleeping, dealing with the stress of your life, finding some purpose in your existence [and] realizing you have agency over the future.”
“These are things that your mom would have told you [and that] you don’t need a doctor to be emphasizing.”
Medicating appropriately, combined with eating right, exercising and staying connected with others, can help make health goals attainable, the doctor said. (iStock)
While GLP-1s may not be a fix-all, combining these medications with foundational health practices “makes a lot of sense,” Oz said.
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“I don’t want people being fat-shamed … I don’t want you feeling guilty that you’re gaining weight even though everyone else around you seems to have figured it out,” he said. “It’s not that simple — our set points for hunger are different. We have different things going on in our lives.”
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“But if you realize how precious you are — the temple of the soul is so valuable. It’s the greatest gift your parents ever gave you, and you take advantage of every tool out there to make it work … which includes using medications when appropriate. That, to me, is MAHA.”
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Amid warnings of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, health experts say that early recognition of symptoms can mean the difference between a quick recovery and life-threatening complications, especially for high-risk groups.
New York City health officials are urging anyone who has visited the east side of Central Park or Manhattan’s Upper East Side since late June to watch for symptoms.
As of July 6, the New York City Health Department had confirmed 23 cases and 17 hospitalizations associated with the respiratory infection. No deaths have been reported.
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Officials are investigating contaminated cooling towers as the likely source. They have emphasized that the illness is not spread person-to-person and is not linked to the city’s drinking water.
Health experts say that early recognition of symptoms can mean the difference between a quick recovery and life-threatening complications, especially for high-risk groups. (iStock)
“Legionnaires’ disease is deadly but can be effectively treated if diagnosed early,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin in a press release. “New Yorkers at higher risk, including anyone who is 50 and older, those who smoke or people with chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.”
What is Legionnaires’?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
The bacteria is usually found in lakes, streams and other freshwater environments, but can grow in any area where water sits for a long time, according to the CDC.
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That can include shower heads, sink faucets, hot tubs, water features/fountains, plumbing systems and other water systems.
When people swallow or breathe in droplets of water that contain Legionella, they can potentially become ill.
Although human transmission is possible in rare cases, the disease is not typically transmitted among people, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms of infection
Infections can lead to severe pneumonia in older people and those with compromised immune systems, according to Dr. Andrew Handel, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital on Long Island, New York.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually show up between two and 14 days after exposure.
New York City health officials are urging anyone who has visited the east side of Central Park or Manhattan’s Upper East Side since late June to watch for symptoms. (iStock)
“Legionella infections cause symptoms that are similar to other forms of pneumonia — fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain,” Handel previously told Fox News Digital.
“Legionnaires’ disease is deadly but can be effectively treated if diagnosed early.”
The signs are similar to other types of pneumonia, and include the following:
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches and headaches
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Some patients may also experience nausea, diarrhea and confusion, the CDC noted.
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention
A medical professional can diagnose the infection with laboratory tests and chest X-rays.
The condition is typically treated with antibiotics. In cases of severe infection, hospitalization may be required for breathing support and IV hydration.
Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die from those complications — and the mortality risk rises to 25% for those who get Legionnaires’ while staying in a healthcare facility, according to the CDC.
The bacteria is usually found in lakes, streams and other freshwater environments, but can grow in any area where water sits for a long time, according to the CDC. (iStock)
“Treatment needs to be early and aggressive,” Dr. Nathan Goodyear, an Arizona-based integrative medicine expert, previously told Fox News Digital. “Legionella infection is an intracellular infection that requires antibiotic treatment.”
Antibiotics that are appropriate for Legionella infection include Levofloxacin and Azithromycin.
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“Therapy can be prescribed orally in healthy individuals… but intravenous antibiotics often prove to be the initial option for treatment secondary to the pathogenicity of the disease,” Goodyear said.
Currently, there are no vaccines for Legionnaires’ disease.
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The best strategy to prevent infection is to reduce the growth and spread of the Legionella bacteria. The CDC recommends that building owners and managers use a water management program to reduce the risk.
“New Yorkers at higher risk, including anyone who is 50 and older, those who smoke or people with chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin,” city officials stated. (iStock)
To prevent serious illness from Legionnaires’, Goodyear recommends that all smokers kick the habit, and also emphasizes the need to “aggressively support” chronic pulmonary disease.
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“Increasing immune support (vitamin D3, vitamin C, Zinc) is required to counter the immune dysfunction associated with advancing age.”
Obesity is another foundational risk factor for all chronic inflammatory diseases, the doctor added.
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Journalist Katie Couric is sharing a scary medical episode that she experienced on June 27.
In a post on Substack titled “The Day I’ll Never Remember,” she detailed a sudden episode that left her unable to recall the current month, year and president.
“I thought it was 2024. And I believed Joe Biden was president,” she wrote.
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The event occurred while Couric was attending the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado, during which she participated in two public panels — one on AI and one on journalism — both of which she cannot remember at all.
“I have no idea what we talked about, or of what occurred when the panels ended,” she said.
Journalist Katie Couric is sharing a scary medical episode that she experienced on June 27. (Getty Images)
John Molner — Couric’s husband, who was in attendance at the festival and the two panels — also shared his account.
After the event, someone told Molner that Katie wasn’t feeling well. When he reached her, an EMT and a doctor were tending to her. “I could tell something was off,” he wrote. “It could have been altitude sickness, but Katie was definitely not all there.”
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At the hospital, when Couric struggled to recall the year, the president and her grandchildren’s names, doctors began checking for a stroke.
An MRI revealed no signs of stroke, which was a relief, but “Katie’s ‘fog’ became a lot more apparent,” Molner wrote.
John Molner, Couric’s husband, who was in attendance at the festival and the two panels, also shared his account. (Getty Images)
“She repeatedly asked me the same questions: ‘What was I doing before we got to the hospital?’ ‘Why am I at the hospital?’”
Couric was ultimately diagnosed with transient global amnesia, a sudden, temporary episode of memory loss that prevents a person from forming new memories and may also erase some recent memories, according to Mayo Clinic.
“The cause seems to be as mysterious as the brain itself.”
It is not caused by a stroke, seizure or head injury, and it usually resolves completely within 24 hours.
“[It’s] just a very weird neural episode that’s pretty uncommon and, at least in most cases, is a ‘one and done’ experience,” Molner said.
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Couric said she finally began feeling “like herself” again around 9 p.m. and went to sleep at 2 a.m.
As TGA leaves a “permanent gap in memory” for the duration of the episode and for hours beforehand, Couric said that from around noon on that day until at least 7 p.m. will remain a “big, black hole.”
As TGA leaves a “permanent gap in memory” for the duration of the episode and for hours beforehand, Couric said that from around noon on that day until at least 7 p.m. will remain a “big, black hole.” (Getty Images)
Data shows that approximately three to eight people per 100,000 will have an episode of transient global amnesia, with people 50 years of age and older at higher risk.
The specific cause of TGA is not known, but some experts believe it stems from a “temporary dysfunction in the brain’s hippocampus — the area responsible for creating new memories,” Couric shared.
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“Doctors believe this is driven by brief interruptions in blood or oxygen flow, or microscopic spasm in the blood vessels.”
Episodes could potentially be triggered by intense physical exertion, emotional distress, extreme temperature changes or migraines, experts say.
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Approximately 15% of patients will have a recurrence 10 years later.
“Why did this happen to me? Was the altitude an issue? Was I dehydrated? Tired? Stressed? The literature doesn’t seem to indicate that these are contributing factors, but the cause seems to be as mysterious as the brain itself,” Couric wrote.
Anyone who experiences sudden memory loss, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, vision changes, severe headache or other stroke-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention or call 911, doctors advise. (iStock)
“All I know is that those hours will be forever lost. Someone described it as my brain failing to hit the ‘record button.’”
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“While this was a freaky occurrence, it could have been much more serious. So ultimately, I’m relieved — even though several hours of a Saturday in June will always be missing for me.”
Anyone who experiences sudden memory loss, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, vision changes, severe headache or other stroke-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention or call 911, doctors advise.
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