Food Borne Illness paper

This paper will explain how the infectious organism staphylococcus aureus is transmitted through food. Discuss a real life outbreak of staphylococcus aureus in the United States. Also describe the clinical symptoms, the duration of the symptoms, and any treatments for the disease. The author will discuss the steps to be taken to prevent further outbreaks, including personal as well as environmental precautions and methods that can be taken. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (staph), is commonly found in pimples, infected cuts, and when people have colds (â€Å"Staphylococcus†, 2014).Therefore, staph can be transmitted from person to person from contaminated hands. The infection is spread from a person’s hands by contaminated objects such as razors, and sports equipment. Other ways of contamination could be close skin to skin transmission, crowded living conditions, cuts, and poor hygiene. Staphylococcus can cause food poisoning when a person does not properly refrigerate f ood, clean equipment, and if food is not properly prepared. In the early 1990’s 1,364 children became ill at a Texas elementary school after eating chicken salad (â€Å"Bad Bug Book: foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins Handbook†, 2013).The chickens was frozen and boiled, deboned, and cooled by a fan to room temperature. The chicken was refrigerated overnight and the next morning blended with other ingredients. The chicken salad was put in a thermal container and transported to 16 different school sights and held at room temperature until lunchtime. The chicken became contaminated during deboning. Probably because the food was not cooled fast enough. Some of the symptoms that a person has when he or she has become infected with the bacteria are vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever and nausea.The duration of the illness is approximately 24 to 48. If you have any of the above mentioned symptoms one should drink plenty of water and other fluids to p revent dehydration and get plenty of rest. Some people may require a visit to his or her doctor for treatment. The doctor can treat the skin infection by making an incision and draining the infected area and by prescribing antibiotics. Individual and environmental precautions that can be taken to prevent further outbreaks are: good hand washing techniques, use soap and running water when washing hands before and after eating, as well as after using the bathroom.Staph can exist on environmental surfaces. Therefore, sanitation of these areas should be done regularly. Most institution and eating places have guidelines for sanitation for these areas. People should also make sure that shared items are cleaned, such as your computer, cell phone, scissors clippers, children toys, and exercise equipment. One method that can be used to sanitize equipment is by using 1 tablespoon of bleach in 1 quart of water. This can help disinfect some objects.Also, use disposal towels or wipes. This paper has explained how the infectious organism staphylococcus aureus is transmitted through food, discussed an outbreak of staphylococcus aureus at an elementary school in Texas. Also, described the clinical symptoms, the duration of the symptoms, and any treatments for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The author has discussed the measures to be taken to prevent further outbreaks, including personal as well as environmental precautions and methods that can be taken.