If left untreated, it may advance to severe dehydration and death. Community sanitation, personal hygiene, careful food preparation, and clean water are important preventive measures against cholera. Outbreaks along the Gulf Coast in the southern parts of the United States have been associated with shellfish caught in unclean waters and eaten raw. 3 Viral causes Hepatitis A is a common foodborne viral infection. The incubation period is dose-related but generally about 28 days.
Patients can be ill for up to six months.
Hepatitis A virus can be spread by contaminated food or water, including food that comes from contaminated water, such as shrimp and oysters. It is also spread by infected people working with food who do not have good handwashing technique or hygiene. Sandwiches, salad, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and other foods that are eaten raw or not properly handled after cooking can cause outbreaks. Outbreaks in the healthcare setting have often been associated with eating in the workplace, lack of handwashing or improper handwashing, and poor personal hygiene. Outbreaks in daycare centers can occur because of children's poor hygiene and poor diaper changing practices.