Foodborne Illness: Especially Dangerous for the Vulnerable

If you've ever become sick after eating a food contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, it's not an experience you want to repeat. But if you're part of what is called an "at-risk" or "vulnerable" population, a foodborne illness can be extremely dangerous. Symptoms—such as vomiting, diarrhea and fever—can intensify and the illness can become life-threatening. Which populations are most at risk? According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) epidemiologist Karl Klontz, M.D., M.P.H., they are the very young (under 1 year); older adults; the immune-compromised (those whose immune systems are less able to fight off harmful bacteria); and women who are pregnant. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm354783.htm