If you also eat pistachios, then be careful! More than 50 people fell ill after having it, doctors appeal to be cautious

There is an increasing risk of getting sick by eating pistachios. In Canada, many people became sick due to pistachios and doctors have advised to be cautious.

Recently, the news of the poisonous bacteria Salmonella being found in pistachios and its products has created a sensation among people. So far, more than 50 people have been infected by pistachios of many brands in India and abroad, many of whom are hospitalized. Doctors have warned to take special care of five stomach-related symptoms and to seek medical advice immediately if such symptoms appear.

What is Salmonella, and how is it spread?

Salmonella is a foodborne bacterial infection that enters the body through contaminated food or water. This infection mainly attacks the intestines by bacteria, causing irritation inside the stomach, dehydration, and damage to the intestinal cells. The infected person has problems like diarrhea, fever, headache, and stomach cramps. It can prove to be especially dangerous for children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with a weak immune system.

Salmonella bacteria is also found in contaminated vegetables, chicken, fruits, pork, and dry fruits such as pistachios. Apart from this, this infection can also spread through dirty hands, unhygienic cutting boards, and knives. Contaminated water used in farming is also a means of spreading the bacteria.

How did the infection spread in India and abroad?

Although there have been no cases of infection linked to pistachios in India, a large salmonella outbreak was recently reported in Canada in which 52 people were infected and 10 were seriously hospitalised. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has recalled several brands of pistachios and pistachio-based chocolates and pastry products. Health agencies are vigilant to control the infection, but officials have warned that more cases may increase in the coming months.

Key symptoms of infection

Frequent diarrhoea or watery diarrhoea is the first and most obvious sign of infection.

High fever and headache – The fever may rise above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius).

Indigestion and stomach cramps – A Feeling of burning and twisting inside the stomach.

Vomiting or nausea – Vomiting or stomach discomfort after eating.

Feeling weak and dehydrated – Weakness and dizziness due to dehydration in the body.

If any of these symptoms appear, do not be careless and contact a doctor immediately.

Doctors' advice and prevention

Doctors say that early treatment of Salmonella infection is extremely important, especially for weak patients. In case of infection, pay special attention to diet, take full care of cleanliness, and completely stop consuming suspicious pistachios or products made from it. The government health department has also issued instructions to withdraw the affected pistachio brand from the market.

You can prevent this infection by using clean hands, fresh and properly cooked food, and clean water. Avoid keeping food items in the open and clean cutting boards, knives, and hands.

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