Food Poisoning: Staphylococcus
What is Staphylococcus?
Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, a type of germ commonly found on the skin or in the nose of even
healthy individuals. Most of the time, these bacteria cause no problems or result in relatively minor skin infections. But
staph infections don't always remain skin-deep. In some circumstances, they may invade your bloodstream, urinary tract,
lungs or heart. Severe staph infections usually occur in people who are already hospitalized or who have a chronic illness
or weakened immune system. But it is possible for otherwise healthy people to develop life-threatening staph infections.
What is staphylococcal food poisoning?
Signs and symptoms of staph-related food poisoning usually come on quickly — as soon as one to six hours after you've
eaten contaminated food. The illness often leaves just as suddenly as it came, and most people recover in a day or two,
though the effects can be more serious and longer lasting in children and older adults. Symptoms include:
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Abdominal cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
The most common way for food to be contaminated with Staphylococcus is through contact with food workers who carry
the bacteria or through contaminated milk and cheeses. Staphylococcus is salt tolerant and can grow in salty foods like
ham. Some examples of foods that have caused staphylococcal food poisoning are sliced meat, puddings, some pastries
and sandwiches.
What are the symptoms of staphylococcal food poisoning?
Staphylococcal toxins are fast acting, sometimes causing illness in as little as 30 minutes. Symptoms usually develop
within one to six hours after eating contaminated food. Patients typically experience several of the following: nausea,
vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. The illness is usually mild and most patients recover after one to three days. In a
small minority of patients the illness may be more severe.