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Food Poisoning Can Mean Long-Term Trouble

Health effects can resurface years later, doctors say

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 22, 2008 8:01 AM CST
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(Newser) – People who catch food-borne illnesses such as salmonella and E. coli can suffer related health problems years later, the AP reports. The numbers are small, and the research still growing, but doctors and health advocates are beginning to sound the alarm. "Folks often assume once you're over the acute illness, that's it, you're back to normal and that's the end of it," said one doctor.

Children who suffer severe E. coli complications sometimes have serious kidney problems later in life, and arthritis crops up after salmonella or shigella, researchers say. In the hope of learning more, a consumer advocacy is group is starting a national registry of people who recovered from food-poisoning only to have related problems months or even decades later.

Workers keep the chicken meat cold to avoid bacteria growth in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania. Bell & Evans, which also tests for salmonella and generic E. coli, has never undergone a recall.
Workers keep the chicken meat cold to avoid bacteria growth in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania. Bell & Evans, which also tests for salmonella and generic E. coli, has never undergone a recall.   (KRT Photos)
High blood pressure, kidney damage, or even full kidney failure can strike 10 to 20 years later in people who survived severe E. coli infection as children. A national registry has been started to try and learn more about the long-term damage food-borne illnesses can do.
High blood pressure, kidney damage, or even full kidney failure can strike 10 to 20 years later in people who survived severe E. coli infection as children. A national registry has been started to try...   (Getty Images)
The FDA banned all cantaloupe from Mexico in 2002 after four salmonella outbreaks traced to the fruit killed two people in the US and hospitalized at least 18 others. While some Mexican cantaloupe exporters have regained the FDA's trust by adopting cleaner irrigation methods, Mexican melons are still often contaminated...
The FDA banned all cantaloupe from Mexico in 2002 after four salmonella outbreaks traced to the fruit killed two people in the US and hospitalized at least 18 others. While some Mexican cantaloupe exporters...   (Associated Press)
Salmonella invades human cells. Doctors say that for survivors of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses, health complications can strike years later.
Salmonella invades human cells. Doctors say that for survivors of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses, health complications can strike years later.   ((c) Nutloaf)
Salmonella
Salmonella   ((c) denn)
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