Cryptosporidium Risks
While Cryptosporidium risks are not usually a danger to normally healthy people, certain factors may put you at risk of becoming seriously ill. Foodborne illnesses usually cause similar symptoms in the gastrointestinal system: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and possible fever. However, Cryptosporidium risks are greater to those who have received organ transplants, or who have a weakened immune system. Over half of people with HIV that become infected with Cryptosporidium develop other infections and chronic disease.
Cryptosporidium risks increase and may spread over a wide area of the population when restaurants, day cares and other institutions that may serve food to the public do not take proper precautions. Manufacturers of foods may be responsible for wide spread infection as well. Although you should always practice good sanitation habits at home when preparing foods, those who serve or provide food and drink to the public should be especially cautious. Sometimes safety measures get overlooked, which increases Cryptosporidium risks to the general public.
Every person who handles food, whether preparing or manufacturing it, should wash their hands frequently. Foods should be handled in a way that prevents contamination from one food to another. Surfaces should be wiped down and disinfected regularly.
If you have become infected with Cryptosporidium, risks may include the following:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
- Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
- Cholangitis (inflammation of a bile duct
- Wasting, or severe weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration that may require being hospitalized
Food poisoning is not usually life threatening, but it can be in certain instances. Young children, babies, the elderly and pregnant women are more susceptible to serious complications than others. Many people develop stomach flu, miss a few days of work, and never see a doctor. What you may not know is that you may be able to collect reimbursement for any expenses related to your illness. A food poisoning attorney can advise you of your rights.
Foodborne illnesses seem to be on the increase over the past few years. With recalls being broadcasted on the news more and more, it seems that food manufacturers are often neglectful in practicing safe handling of foods to avoid contamination. This increases Cryptosporidium risks to many people, often spread over several states. If you become ill due to foods you have eaten, see your doctor. You may want to contact a New York food poisoning lawyer, who will help you determine a possible course of action.
