Symptoms, Care and Treatment: Find out what to do if you have eaten bread in one of the four risk areas

Between July 21 and August 9 this year, there were 187 cases of suspected food poisoning associated with the consumption of cornbread. Cases were identified at several locations in four districts: Pombal, Anciano, Leiria, Marinha Grande, Pedrogan Grande (Leiria district), Ourén (Santaren), Figueira da Foz, Condeixa a Nova and Coimbra (Coimbra), Illavo and Vagos (Aveiro).

The General Directorate of Public Health (DGS) recommends that cornbread be discontinued in these areas while the epidemiological investigation is underway. As a precaution, a restriction was also introduced on the raw materials used in the production of cornbread. DGS suspects that the toxic infection may be related to the flour used to make the cornbread.

Although in most cases the symptoms disappeared after a few hours, 43 patients required hospitalization.

What are the symptoms?

Paulo Almeida, General and Family Medicine Physician at USF Norton de Matos in Coimbra, explains morning Post that “the symptoms of food poisoning and food poisoning are very similar”, and these may include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. GS adds that you should also be aware if you experience dry mouth, vision changes, dizziness, confusion, and decreased muscle strength.

When do symptoms start?

According to the DGS, the symptoms seen in suspected cases were observed between 30 minutes and 2 hours after ingestion, but this time can vary depending on the individual and depending on the source of the poisoning.

Dr. Paulo Almeida explains that “Food poisoning is more common in the summer, as conditions of humidity and temperature favor the rapid development of bacteria and the production of toxins in contaminated foods.”

How to avoid it?

The best way to avoid food poisoning is to be very careful with your food and avoid any unsafe food. Some foods are more likely to cause food poisoning due to the way they are produced and prepared. Paulo Almeida explains that meat, poultry, eggs and shellfish can contain infectious agents that only die when cooked.

However, the doctor warns that in many cases, contaminated food does not change taste, color, or appearance, so food that appears to be in good condition may also be contaminated.

How to treat poisoning?

Dr. Paulo Almeida explains that, in most cases, the symptoms are usually mild and the symptoms disappear on their own: “A certain period of digestive rest is enough to slow down intestinal transit and reduce the amount of feces.” Your doctor recommends drinking plenty of fluids and isotonic drinks, such as sports drinks, to stay hydrated. Paulo Almeida adds that it may sometimes be necessary to use analgesics such as paracetamol, but that “the use of antibiotics or drugs to control diarrhea should only be taken as directed by a physician.”