Disclaimer: The Open Encyclopedia Project attempts to provide precise and relevant information in the Health categories for educational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information contained on these pages and cannot be responsible for any harm or adverse outcomes as a consequence of relying on or using this material. People who intend to rely or use this information as clinical advice or for treatment are advised not to but should consult an appropriate registered (licensed) medical professional.

Food and Water Borne Illnesses

Food and water can be a source of infectious agents that cause illnesses, particularly in underdeveloped or developing countries. Some diseases require ingestion for transmission, while others simply require physical contact. Some disease-causing bacteria are transmitted exclusively between humans while others pass through an animal or arthropod intermediate. In the case of foodborne illnesses where humans are the primary hosts, the modes of transmission may be through unsanitary conditions that permit fecal, urine, or salivary contamination of food or water. Foodborne illnesses can also arise in the absence of organisms, such as in the presence of pre-formed toxins, chemical contaminants, or food-related allergens.

Further Information

Related websites