Food poisoning from sushi can be because of parasites such asanisakiasisor bacteria likevibrioor listeria.
Symptoms may appear right away or within a few days, depending on what is causing the infection.
This article discusses the types of infectious diseases that could occur from eating raw fish in sashimi or sushi.
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It also covers symptoms to watch for and who is most at risk.
Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish often served with sauces (like wasabi or soy sauce).
Unlike sashimi, sushi does not necessarily involve raw fish.
In fact, sushi simply refers to the small balls or rolls of vinegar-flavored cooked rice.
Human infection byanisakiasisand other nematodes, or roundworms, can be triggered by eating these fish raw or undercooked.
This can cause a localized immune response, or inflammation, in the intestine.
If this does occur, the worms eventually die and are removed by the immune system.
However, in severe cases, your doctor may need to remove them to reduce the pain.
Vibrio
The bacterial speciesVibrio parahaemolyticusis associated with eating raw or undercooked fish and shellfish, particularly oysters.
It can become severe in people with weakened immune systems.
Another Vibrio species,Vibrio vulnificus, has been found in oysters, clams, and crab.
In addition,theVibriospecies can causewound infectionsthrough open sores exposed to water harboring the bacteria.
Examples include scrapes when opening oysters or working on boats.
Like the gastrointestinal illness, these types of wound infections are most severe in people with impaired immune systems.
Listeriosis
Listeriosis is an infection resulting from the bacteriaListeria monocytogenes.
People with meningitis experience serious symptoms like stiff neck and confusion.
Listeria can also causemeningoencephalitisinflammation of both the brain tissue and the membranes around the brain.
Nervous system infection is most common in the immunocompromised and the elderly.
Salmonella
Salmonella infection is sparked by the bacteriaSalmonella enterica.
Bacillus Cereus
Bacillus cereusis another foodborne illness associated with eating sushi.
Symptoms usually resolve in 24 hours.
The vomiting jot down is associated with contaminated rice products.
One example might be fried rice that has been sitting at room temperature for a long period.
This throw in tends to come on faster, within about one to five hours.
It can cause:
Serious complications including meningitis can also occur.
Which key in of Food Poisoning Do I Have?
It can be difficult to tell which bacteria is making you sick.
Those who handle food should always wash their hands properly and stay home from work if ill.
It is impossible to tell whether or not sushi is contaminated with a disease-causing microbe.
Generally speaking, sushi should not smell fishy.
A fishy smell can indicate that the fish isn’t fresh.
However, microbes can still live in fresh fish and the microbes themselves don’t produce an odor.
If you are healthy, the risk of getting a serious illness from sushi is low.
However, you should be aware that eating raw or undercooked fish always carries some risk.
If you do get sick, most of these illnesses resolve on their own in a few days.
verify to stay well-hydrated as you recover, and get plenty of rest.
Can Pregnant People Eat Sushi?
Pregnant people may not wish toeat sushidue to high mercury levels and harmful bacteria found in raw fish.
For instance, pregnant people may wish to avoid eating swordfish, mackerel, or seabass.
Vegetarian sushi options are often also available.
Summary
It’s possible to get an infectious disease when eating raw fish in sushi or sashimi.
Many of these infections can cause digestive symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
In some cases, they can lead to more serious conditions that require hospitalization.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Anisakiasis.
European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI).Anisakis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.AboutVibrioInfection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Listeria (Listeriosis):People at Risk.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Salmonella.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.BAM Chapter 14: Bacillus Cereus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Key Facts About Food Poisoning.
American Pregnancy Association.Is Sushi Safe for Pregnant Women?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Listeria(Listeriosis) Questions and Answers.
Food and Drug Administration.Bad Bug Book, Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins.
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