Saturday 12 April 2014

Bacillus cereus

Bacillus cereus or B. cereus is a type of bacteria that produces toxins. These toxins can cause two types of illness: one type characterized by diarrhea and the other, called emetic toxin, by nausea and vomiting.
These bacteria are present in foods and can multiply quickly at room temperature.
SourcesA variety of foods, particularly rice and leftovers, as well as sauces, soups, and other prepared foods that have sat out too long at room temperature.
Incubation Period
  • Diarrheal: 6-15 hours
  • Emetic (vomiting): 30 minutes to 6 hours
Symptoms
  • Diarrheal: Watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps
  • Emetic (vomiting): Nausea and vomiting
Duration of Illness24 hours
What Do I Do?Drink plenty of fluids and get rest. If you cannot drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration, call your doctor.
How Can I Prevent Illness?
  • If food is to be stored longer than two hours, keep hot foods hot (over 140°F) and cold foods cold (40°F or under).
  • Store cooked food in a wide, shallow container and refrigerate as soon as possible.

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