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
Food Poisoning Can Mean Long-Term Trouble
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)

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. (More E. coli stories.)

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