Poisoning can occur from a variety of factors like medications, illicit drugs, foods, and attempts to harm ones life. Poisoning is a medical emergency and cannot be treated at home. Some US states are facing a large and growing outbreak of diarrhea caused by cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh food or water.

Understanding the Context

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Foods to Avoid, Map and Total Cases as ... - TODAY STAT: Listeria tied to pasta shows why we need a national foodborne outbreak investigation board Six Americans have died and more than 20 others have been sickened in a growing listeria outbreak linked to prepackaged pasta meals. It is upsetting, but not surprising. I worked on food safety at the ...

Key Insights

Listeria tied to pasta shows why we need a national foodborne outbreak investigation board The number of confirmed patients in several foodborne outbreaks has increased during the past week. The Food and Drug Administration is currently investigating nine outbreaks caused by parasites and ... This year saw at least 33 multi-state foodborne illness outbreaks for a total of 921 patients. There may have been more outbreaks because the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease ... Poisoning is when a toxic substance (poison) makes you sick or harms you.

Final Thoughts

Poisons can come from plants, animals, household cleaners and chemicals, medications, carbon monoxide and more. Poisoning can be brought on by swallowing, inhaling, injecting or absorbing toxins through the skin. Toxicology is the practice and study of symptoms, mechanisms, diagnoses, and treatments correlated to poisoning. There are many causes of poisoning. Learn how to recognize the signs of poisoning and discover first aid tactics that may help save a life.