Staphylococcal Food Poisoning

General Information on Staphylococcal Food Poisoning

Staphylococcal food poisoning is the result of eating food which is contaminated with toxins produced by certain types of staphylococci, resulting in diarrhea and vomiting. Staphylococci bacteria are likely spread to food when a food handler has a skin infection, which contaminates the food with bacteria. The staphylococci bacteria grow inside of the food, and release toxins. Symptoms usually begin 2 to 8 hours after the contaminated food has been eaten, and typically last no more than 24 hours.

Symptoms of Staphylococcal Food Poisoning

Symptoms may include:

Abdominal cramping
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Headache
Fever
Weakness
Low blood pressure (rarely)

Treatments For Staphylococcal Food Poisoning

Staphylococcal food poisoning can be prevented using careful food preparation. Anyone with a skin infection should avoid preparing food for others until the infection has healed. The body usually fights off the infection on its own in less than 24 hours. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a drug to help control nausea and vomiting.

Personal Experience

Staphylococcal Food Poisoning - personal experiences