FAQs
If the person was symptomatic, the infectious period is determined by counting back 2 full days before symptoms started and then goes through 10 full days after symptoms started. Example: if a person develops symptoms on August 3, their infectious period starts August 1, will end on August 13, and they are released from isolation on August 14. If the person was asymptomatic, the infectious period is determined by counting back 2 full days before the test was collected and then goes through 10 full days after the test was collected. Example: if a person was tested on August 3, the infectious period would begin August 1 and end August 13, and they are released from isolation on August 14.
Anyone within 6 feet of a confirmed case for 15 cumulative minutes or more is considered a high-risk close contact
A person is considered fully vaccinated if it has been 2 weeks from the last dose of the vaccine in a 2-dose series, or 2 weeks from the only dose in a 1-dose series. Contacts identified during contact tracing who meet the fully vaccinated criteria are not required to quarantine as long as they remain asymptomatic. Fully vaccinated contacts are allowed to return to work/school during the quarantine period if they are asymptomatic, but it is recommended they wear a mask for the 14-day period. The CDC guidance states a fully vaccinated person can get tested on days 3-5 with a PCR test and are no longer recommended to mask for the remaining days of the quarantine period if results are negative.
If a person is within 90 days of a confirmed COVID-19 infection and they are asymptomatic, they are not required to quarantine after an exposure.
No. At this time, antibody tests are not accepted as proof of immunity. The only way to avoid quarantine is to show proof of completed vaccination or proof of previous positive COVID-19 test within the past 90 days.
There are several home rapid test kits that can be purchased over the counter. These home tests are not reported to the health department like laboratory tests, and cannot be verified as far as technique nor how they were administered like in a testing facility, and are therefore not included in the daily or overall case numbers in the state of Indiana. Since there is no way to verify the validity of the test, our recommendation is not to accept these as confirmed cases in the school or work environment at this time. If someone does utilize a home test kits and tests positive, our recommendation is to keep the person home and encourage testing at an official testing facility for confirmation. Once the official report of a positive test is available, then all appropriate contact tracing will be done at that time. Negative results from home test kits also should not be used to allow someone to return from quarantine early.
Quarantine through day 7, return on day 8 – Person must be asymptomatic and receive a negative test (either a PCR or rapid test from an official testing site) on days 5-8. The contact must follow enhanced precautions* while in public days 8-14. • Quarantine through day 10, return on day 11 – Person must be asymptomatic through day 10 (and remain that way) and follow enhanced precautions* while in public 11-14. • Traditional 14-day quarantine – Person may return on day 15 with no precautions. *Enhanced precautions include: masking at all times (except while eating and drinking), keeping a distance of 6 feet from others at all times, frequent hand-washing and self-monitoring for symptoms.
Fever (100.4 or higher), chills, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and new loss of taste or smell.
Masks are strongly recommended for anyone in a school, regardless of vaccination status. This is not currently a requirement in the state of Indiana nor in Allen County and is a decision made individually by each school board/school. Click here for the current CDC guidance on masking of vaccinated people.
Per the Department of Transportation (DOT) order, individuals are required to wear masks on public transportation, including school buses, even if fully vaccinated.
In general, yes. While there is no statewide mask mandate, businesses can likely require masking in the buildings over which they have control. We encourage consultation with your trusted legal adviser as there are many variables and intricacies with which you’d need to comply to make such a requirement. Currently, we support following the CDC’s guidance on indoor masking regardless of vaccination status.
Health Departments cannot provide legal guidance on employment matters. We recommend employers discuss and seek advice from a trusted legal professional who knows your business and the applicable laws.
Yes. No vaccine is 100% effective. However, the vaccines for COVID-19 are very effective at preventing severe infection, hospitalizations and death. Breakthrough cases, or infections in vaccinated individuals, remain a very small portion of all new COVID-19 cases. As of August 2021, only .126% of COVID-19 infections have been in the nearly 3 million vaccinated Hoosiers. That’s less than 1.5% (approx. 3,700). Additionally, breakthrough cases have generally been less severe, with many experiencing no symptoms at all and only small number being hospitalized. This means the vaccines are working.
According to the Indiana Department of Health and/or CDC with information known as of 8/3/21:
- People infected with the Delta variant have been found to carry 1,000 times more viral material in their nasal passages compared to earlier variants of COVID-19.
- Some data from outbreaks currently suggest that the Delta variant is about as transmissible as the chickenpox virus, with each infected person infecting an average of 8 or 9 others. The original COVID-19 variants were about as transmissible as the common cold, with each individual passing the virus to an average of 2 other people.
- The delta variant surged to become the predominant variant – from <1% in May 2021 to 83% of cases nationally in July. Also, there has been a 400% increase in cases nationally due to this variant. It currently represents about 90% of the cases sequenced in Indiana.
- Fully vaccinated individuals may possibly spread the Delta variant at a similar rate to those who are unvaccinated. However, cases in vaccinated individuals tend to be mild and not require hospitalization.
- It is currently considered a race to increase vaccination rates before new variants emerge that might be even more problematic than the Delta variant. In other words: Increased transmission = more variants = more likely to develop a “vaccine escape” variant (one for which the current vaccines are not effective).
Used needles can be exchanged for clean needles and other supplies; testing for and education on HIV, Hepatitis C and TB; addiction & mental health services
Syringe Services Program
The Allen County SSP is typically open Tuesdays from 1-3:30 p.m.
4817 New Haven Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46803
Only people 18 and older will be allowed to receive services at the SSP.
The main goal is to prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C in our community by educating on these issues and ensuring use of clean needles and supplies, which is how these viruses are spread.
Services will be provided only during designated hours and the designated SSP location, though hours may change if the numbers of people served continues to increase.
The goal is to provide a 1:1 exchange of used needles for clean needles, but it is possible to receive up to 3 clean needles for each used needle exchanged.
Only first visits to the SSP will receive clean needles if used needles are not exchanged.
Yes, please put your dirty needles in a sharps container or in a coffee can or laundry detergent bottle and bring it to the SSP.
The SSP operates on a first come, first served basis and usually takes between 15-30 minutes depending on the services received.
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if not treated. Unlike some other viruses, the human body can’t get rid of HIV completely even with treatment. So once you get HIV, you have it for life. HIV attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. Untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells (T cells) in the body, making the person more likely to get other infections or infection-related cancers. Over time HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. These opportunistic infections or cancers take advantage of a very weak immune system and signal that the person has AIDS, the last stage of HIV infection. No effective cure currently exists, but HIV can be controlled with proper medical care. The medicine used to treat HIV is called antiretroviral therapy or ART. If taken the right way every day, this medicine can dramatically prolong the lives of many people infected with HIV, keep them healthy, and greatly lower their chance of infecting others. Before the introduction of ART in the mid-1990s, people with HIV could progress to AIDS in just a few years. Today, someone diagnosed with HIV and treated before the disease is far advanced can live nearly as long as someone who does not have HIV.
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus. Most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. For 70-85% of people who become infected with Hepatitis C, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis C is a serious disease than can result in long-term health problems, even death. The majority of infected persons might not be aware of their infection because they are not clinically ill. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. The best way to prevent Hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease, especially injecting drugs, but successful treatment is now available.
No, please call 911.
Security will be present for staff & client safety only.
We are hopeful that will not occur. Local law enforcement is aware of the site and service and are supportive of it. We do not foresee any repercussions occurring to participants.
No. The goal of the SSP is to decrease the spread of Hepatitis C and HIV by promoting clean needle/supply use. Studies have shown over the 20 years of operations of syringe exchange programs worldwide, drug usage does NOT increase in communities where they are established. We also work to provide referrals and on-site assistance for anyone seeking to make a change in their lifestyle.
There are no studies indicating such increases.
The Allen County Department of Health in partnership with the Positive Resource Connection, Clean Slate, Park Center, Bowen Center and Fort Wayne Recovery operates the SSP.
Yes. No other locations are available in Allen County at this time.
Put them in a coffee can or laundry detergent bottle and seal securely with duct tape. Then place in the normal trash.
No. Members of the media won’t be permitted inside the SSP during operational hours.
While you may be low-risk for severe disease or death from COVID-19, many people have long-term problems from COVID-19 like lung, heart and nerve problems and there could be other effects that become apparent in the future. Also, once you’re fully vaccinated you don’t have to quarantine after a COVID-19 exposure unless you develop symptoms.
Visit WorthAShot.org for details on the Department of Health’s site and to schedule an appointment. Details on vaccine site locations, hours and walk-in appointment availability will be updated on that site regularly. You can also visit OurShot.IN.Gov or call 211 for information on all available vaccination sites in Indiana.
No. None of the vaccines approved in the U.S. contain live COVID-19 virus and cannot make you sick with COVID-19.
While the vaccines are extremely effective, they are not 100% and some people who are fully vaccinated may still get COVID-19 if exposed to the virus. These are called vaccine breakthrough cases and can occur with any vaccine-preventable disease. However, most breakthrough cases are mild. And the vaccine is still incredibly effective at lessening chances of hospitalization and death in those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Yes, you should get vaccinated even if you’ve already had COVID-19. Experts do not yet know how long natural immunity from the COVID-19 virus lasts. You should get vaccinated as soon as your 10-day isolation period is over and symptoms are gone. You should not get vaccinated while you are still sick or during your isolation period to avoid exposing others. And you should wait 90 days before getting vaccinated if you received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma during your infection.
Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is approved for anyone 12 and up, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for people age 18 and older at this time. Most vaccine sites do not offer a choice.
An adult must accompany you to the vaccination sites, where they will be required to show their ID and confirm your age. A parent or legal guardian is preferred at most sites.
Most vaccines involve a two-dose regimen and include boosters. Click here for more information.
Common side effects are pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea. These side effects are all normal signs your body is building protection against the virus and should go away within a few days.
No, COVID-19 vaccines will not change or affect your DNA. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have a very small piece of messenger RNA (mRNA), a type of material that our bodies already use to give the body instructions for making a protein that is found in the COVID-19 virus. Once this protein is made, it triggers the body to make antibodies to fight it. The mRNA never enters the nucleus of our body cells, which is where our DNA (genetic material) is found. The Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine does not contain mRNA.
Yes, there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccinations cause any problems with pregnancy or that fertility problems are a side effect of the vaccination (or any other vaccinations).
In general, people are considered fully vaccinated*:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series such as Pfizer or Moderna, OR
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine
*If you have a compromised immune system due to certain illness or medications, you may not be fully vaccinated even if you meet the criteria above. Please discuss this with your healthcare provider. In these situations, even after vaccination you may need to continue taking all precautions to prevent exposure.
We do not currently know how long protection lasts. Public health experts are working to learn more about immunity and will keep the public informed as more evidence becomes available. In general, it is believed to last at least 6 months with the data currently available.
If you meet the criteria listed above for a fully vaccinated individual, and you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19, you DO NOT need to quarantine after exposure. The CDC does recommend all asymptomatic, fully vaccinated people identified as close contacts continue to wear a mask while in public during the traditional 14-day quarantine period unless they get tested on days 3-5 of the quarantine period and receive negative test results. If you test negative, you would no longer need to mask for the remaining days of the quarantine period. For example, if you are on the baseball team and a teammate tests positive for COVID-19 and you are identified as a close contact, you can wear a mask and continue going to school, practice and also can continue to work and participate in other public activities as long as you do not have any symptoms.
You can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic. But to reduce the risk of being infected with the Delta variant and possibly spreading it to others, the CDC is recommending everyone continue to wear a mask indoors in public spaces in areas of high transmission regardless of vaccination status.
The vaccine is FREE to anyone living in the U.S., regardless of immigration or health insurance status. If you have health insurance, that information will be collected at the time of your appointment to help cover administration costs of the vaccination. But you will not need to pay anything out of pocket at your vaccination and will still be given the vaccine even if you do not have insurance.
If you travel within the United States and are fully vaccinated, you no longer need to be tested before or after travel and would no longer quarantine when you return as long as you are not experiencing COVID-10 symptoms. If you are traveling to a different country, you need to check the guidance for the areas you will be traveling to, but in general, the following apply:
- You DO NOT need to get tested before leaving the U.S. unless your destination requires it.
- You will still need to show a negative test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding an international flight to the U.S.
- You should still get tested 3-5 days after international travel.
- You no longer need to self-quarantine AFTER arriving in the U.S.
Chikungunya (Chik V) is a virus passed on to humans from mosquitoes. People infected with Chik V pass it on to a certain type of mosquito, which then can pass it on to other humans.
The virus has been found in Africa, Southeast Asia, and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It has spread to Southern Europe and in late 2013 appeared in the Caribbean islands.
Aedes albopictus, or the Asian Tiger Mosquito as it is commonly known, can carry Chik V and several other viral diseases. It is widespread in parts of the United States but has not yet been found to be prevalent in northern Indiana
Symptoms usually begin 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and consist of fever, severe joint pains (often in the hands and feet), headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and/or rash. Most patients feel better within a week. Some people may develop longer-term joint pain. People at increased risk for severe disease include newborns exposed during delivery, older adults (≥65 years), and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Deaths are rare (1 in a 1,000 people).
There are no antiviral medicines. There are medicines to help reduce fever and pain. There is no vaccine or medicine to prevent Chik V.
Eliminate any standing water on the property, change pet watering dishes, overflow dishes for potted plants, and bird bath water frequently. Do not allow water to accumulate in tires, flower pots, buckets, rain barrels, gutters etc. Use personal protection to avoid mosquito bites. Long sleeves and insect repellent such as DEET will reduce exposure to bites. Aedes albopictus is a day biter with feeding peaks in early morning and late afternoon, so by limiting outdoor activities during these times when mosquitoes are generally most active, bites can be avoided.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that is caused by bacteria. Although TB infection can occur anywhere in the body, it usually is found in the lungs.
Yes. If not treated properly, TB disease can be life-threatening.
The TB bacteria is spread the same way that cold and flu viruses are spread: through the air. Whenever someone with active TB in their throat or lungs sneezes, coughs, or spits, the bacteria is released into the air. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.
TB is not spread by shaking someone’s hand, kissing or sharing food or drink. It usually requires close contact over a long period of time. The likelihood of transmission occurring in an average-size room is very low.
People with latent TB infection have the TB bacteria in their bodies, but they are not sick because the bacteria are not active. People with latent TB infection do not have symptoms, and they cannot spread TB bacteria to others. The concern is for the future, if the TB bacteria become active in the body and multiply, the person will go from having latent TB infection to being sick with active TB disease. People with active TB can spread the disease to others. For this reason, people with latent TB infection are often prescribed treatment to prevent them from developing active TB disease.
The general symptoms of TB disease include feelings of fatigue, weight loss, chills, fever and night sweats. If TB disease is in the lungs, the symptoms can include coughing, chest pain, and the coughing up of blood or sputum. Symptoms of TB disease in other parts of the body depend on the area affected.
A skin test is the most common way to find out if a person has been exposed to TB infection. There is more than one type of TB skin test; however, the preferred method is the Mantoux test. For this test, a small needle is used to inject testing material, called tuberculin, under the skin of the forearm. Two or three days later, a health worker examines the arm to see if there is a reaction. The test may be “positive” if a bump of a certain size appears on the arm. A blood test, called an IGRA, can also be done as a screening for TB and we find it especially effective in folks with a compromised immune system from illness or medication. If the skin or blood test is positive, the next step would be to conduct a symptom review and order a chest x-ray. If both of those are negative, then the person is diagnosed with LTBI. If either or both of those are positive, the person will be required to submit 3 sputum samples to rule out active TB disease. The sputum is examined for both smear and culture, and takes up to 6 weeks to finalize. The vast majority of the time, people acquire latent TB, not active TB disease.
Yes. Active, drug-susceptible TB can be treated by taking several drugs over a period of 6-9 months. It is very important that people who have TB disease finish the medicine, taking the drugs exactly as prescribed. If they stop taking the drugs too soon, they can become sick again; if they do not take the drugs correctly, the TB bacteria that are still alive may become resistant to those drugs. All of these medications are provided free of charge from the health department. Latent, “inactive” TB can also be treated by taken a much shorter drug regimen that active TB. The most common treatment for latent TB includes 2 different medications that are taken once a week for 12 weeks. There are several different options for treatment available. Your provider will be able to determine which treatment course will be best for you. These medications are also provided free of charge from the health department.
If you have a cough that has been present for two weeks or more, and any or all of the above symptoms, you should make an appointment with a doctor. You and your health care provider will then be able to develop an appropriate plan of action to assess the risk of TB.
The health department follows guidelines from the CDC to determine those at the greatest risk of contracting TB. Those people identified as high risk contacts are tested in the first round of testing. If a significant percentage of those contacts test positive on a screening test, then testing is expanded to include medium and low risk contacts if necessary.
Not typically. As mentioned above, most people that are infected off of an active case of TB are infected with latent TB infection, which is not contagious. If you are not experiencing any of the TB symptoms listed, then you shouldn’t be a risk to your family and friends. If you do have symptoms, please contact your doctor or the health department for further testing.
What is it? A bacterial infection of the genital area.
Symptoms? Often there are no symptoms. For people with symptoms, there may be abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina and/or burning sensation when urinating. For women, abdominal pain or bleeding between periods.
Spread? Vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth.
Treatment? Oral antibiotics cure infection. Both partners must be treated at the same time to keep from passing the infection back and forth. Both partners should abstain from sex until the infection is gone.
Consequences? If left untreated, chlamydia can cause sterility (inability to have children) in both men and women.
What is it? A bacterial infection of the genital area.
Symptoms? Most infected people have no symptoms. For those who do, it can cause a burning sensation while urinating, abnormal white, green and/or yelllowish vaginal or penile discharge.
How is it spread? Vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth.
Treatment? Oral antibiotics can cure infection. Both partners must be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth. Both partners should abstain from sex until the infection is gone.
Consequences? Gonorrhea can cause damage to women's fallopian tubes in women and men's sperm passageway.
What is it? A viral infection affecting the liver.
Symptoms? Many people don’t have any symptoms. People may experience tiredness, aches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and yellowing of the skin and eyes (called jaundice).
How is it spread? Vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Also through childbirth if the baby does not get vaccinated against Hep B. Sharing contaminated needles or razors. Exposure to the blood, bodily fluids or saliva of an infected person.
Treatment? Most often, acute Hep B is treated with rest, eating well and lots of fluids. Chronic Hep B is treated through close monitoring by a doctor and anti-retroviral medications. There is a vaccine available to prevent Hep B.
Consequences? Increased risk of infection of other STDs including HIV. Hepatitis can also lead to chronic liver problems, cirrhosis or liver cancer.
What is it? The virus that causes AIDS.
Symptoms? Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms and feel healthy. Symptoms people get are usually related to infections and cancers due to a weakened immune system.
How is it spread? Vaginal, oral or anal sex. Sharing contaminated needles. Direct contact with infected blood. From mother to child during pregnancy, child birth or breast feeding.
Treatment? There is no cure for HIV or AIDS. Anti-retroviral treatment can slow the progression of HIV disease and delay the onset of AIDS. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve a person’s chances of living a longer, healthier life.
Consequences? AIDS is fatal if left untreated.
What is it? A bacterial infection that can spread in the body.
Symptoms? Symptoms can vary, beginning with a simple painful sore (called a chancre) on the mouth or sex organs. Other symptoms can appear up to six months after the first sore has disappeared.
How is it spread? Vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can also be passed through kissing if a sore is present, and from mother to child during childbirth.
Treatment? Antibiotics can cure syphilis if caught early, but medication cannot undo the damage already done. Both partners must be treated and avoid sexual contact until the sores are completely healed.
Consequences? Increased risk for infection of other STDs including HIV. It can also cause damage to brain, heart and nervous system if left untreated.
What is it? An infection of the genital area caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.
Symptoms? Most infected people do not have symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Men may feel itching or irritation inside the penis, burning after urination or ejaculation or some discharge from the penis. Women may notice itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals, discomfort with urination or a thin discharge with an unusual smell that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish.
How is it spread? During sex, the parasite is usually transmitted from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis, but it can also be passed from a vagina to another vagina. It is not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, like the hands, mouth or anus. It is unclear why some people with the infection get symptoms while others do not, but it probably depends on factors like the person’s age and overall health. Infected people without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others.
Treatment? Oral antibiotics can cure the infection. Both partners should abstain from sex until the infection is gone and symptoms go away.
Consequences? Having trichomoniasis can make it feel unpleasant to have sex and increases the risk of getting or spreading other STDs. The infection can last for months or even years without treatment.
What is it? A bacterial infection of the vaginal area.
Symptoms? Many women with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) do not have symptoms. Some symptoms can include thin white or gray vaginal discharge, odor, pain, itching or burning in or around the vagina or while urinating. Some have a strong fish-like odor especially after sex.
How is it spread? BV is linked to an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria normally found in a woman’s vagina. BV is not considered an STD, but having BV can increase your chances of getting an STD. BV may also affect women who have never had sex.
Treatment? BV can be treated with antibiotics but will sometimes go away without treatment. Male sex partners of women diagnosed with BV generally do not need to be treated. However, BV may be transferred between female sex partners.
Consequences? BV can cause serious health risks, including increasing your chance of getting HIV or other STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. The bacteria can sometimes cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can make it difficult or impossible for you to have children.
Campylobacteriosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria Campylobacter.
Most people who become ill get diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain and fever within 2-5 days after exposure. Diarrhea may be bloody and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Illness typically lasts about one week, but some do not have any symptoms. Campylobacter occasionally spreads to the bloodstream and causes life-threatening infection in people with compromised immune systems.
Most cases are associated with eating raw or undercooked poultry meat or from cross-contamination. Outbreaks are often connected to unpasteurized dairy products, contaminated water, poultry and produce. Animals can also be infected, and some people get infected from contact with the stool of an ill dog or cat. The organism is not usually spread from person to person, but this can happen if the infected person is producing a large volume of diarrhea. It takes very few Campylobacter organisms to make a person sick. Even one drop of juice from raw chicken meat can have enough to infect a person.
Most recover without specific treatment. Patients should drink extra fluids as long as diarrhea lasts. Antimicrobial therapy is only for patients with severe disease or those at high risk for severe disease.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) are a diverse group of bacteria. Most strains are harmless, but some like E.coli 0157 can people sick. Some E. coli causes diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, pneumonia and other illnesses.
Symptoms vary but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not high (less than 101˚F/38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5-7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.
Infection happens by swallowing the bacteria from tiny amounts of human or animal feces. Exposures include consumption of contaminated food, unpasteurized raw milk, water that has not been disinfected, or from contact with cattle or the feces of infected people. Some foods carry such a high risk of infection with E. coli O157 or another germs it is recommended people avoid them completely, including raw milk, soft cheeses made from raw milk and unpasteurized apple cider.
Sometimes contact is obvious (working with dairy cows or changing diapers), but sometimes it is not (eating an undercooked hamburger or a contaminated piece of lettuce). People have been infected by swallowing lake water, petting zoos and and by eating food prepared by people who did not wash their hands well after using the toilet. Almost everyone has some risk of infection.
Non-specific supportive therapy, including hydration, is important. Antibiotics should not be used and may increase the risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Antidiarrheal agents like Imodium may also increase that risk.
Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.
Fever and muscle aches sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms are common. Some also experience stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Pregnant women typically experience fever and other non-specific symptoms, such as fatigue and aches. However, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
Most infections follow consumption of contaminated food. Listeria are killed by cooking and pasteurization. However, in some ready-to-eat meats like hot dogs and deli meats, contamination may occur after factory cooking but before packaging or even at the deli counter. Unlike most bacteria, Listeria can grow and multiply in some foods in the refrigerator.
Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. A person in a higher-risk category (pregnant woman, older adults and people with weakened immune systems) who experiences fever and other non-specific symptoms like fatigue and aches within 2 months of eating a contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the physician or health care provider about eating the contaminated food. If a person has eaten food contaminated with Listeria and does not have any symptoms, most experts believe no tests or treatment are needed, even for those at higher risk for listeriosis.
Salmonellosis is an infection from the bacteria Salmonella.
Most develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4-7 days, and most recover without treatment. However, diarrhea may be so severe in some to require hospitalization. The elderly, infants and those with compromised immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.
Usually contaminated food, water or contact with infected animals causes infection. Because thorough cooking kills Salmonella, people should not eat raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, meat or raw or unpasteurized milk or other dairy products. Produce should be thoroughly washed. Food may be contaminated by the hands of an infected food handler who did not wash properly after using the bathroom. Salmonella may also be found in the feces of some pets, and people can become infected if they do not wash their hands after contact with pets or pet feces.
Salmonella gastrointestinal infections usually resolve in 5-7 days and most do not require treatment other than additional hydration. Severe diarrhea may require intravenous fluids. Antibiotic therapy is recommended only for patients with severe illness (severe diarrhea, high fever, bloodstream infection or those who need hospitalization) or those at risk of severe disease or complications, including young infants, adults over 65 and the immunocompromised.
Vibrios are bacteria occurring naturally in estuarine or marine environments. Roughly a dozen species are known to cause disease in humans.
Vibriosis is characterized by diarrhea, blood, wound or other extra-intestinal infections.
Infection is usually from exposure to sea water or consumption of raw or undercooked seafood. Some illnesses can occur from exposing an open wound to contaminated seawater.
Treatment is not necessary in many cases. Patients should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluids lost through diarrhea. In severe or prolonged illnesses, antibiotics can be used.
Toxoplasma gondii is single-celled parasite causing a disease known as toxoplasmosis.
Most people who become infected with Toxoplasma gondii are not aware of it. Some people who have toxoplasmosis may feel like they have the flu with swollen lymph glands or muscle aches and pains that last for a month or more. Severe toxoplasmosis – which causes damage to the brain, eyes or other organs – can develop from an acute Toxoplasma infection or one that occurred earlier in life and reactivated.
Toxoplasmosis can occur from eating undercooked, contaminated meat (especially pork, lamb, and venison), drinking contaminated water or from contact with cat feces.
In an otherwise healthy person who is not pregnant, treatment usually is not needed. If symptoms occur, they typically go away within a few weeks to months. Medications are available to treat toxoplasmosis in pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems.