$Unique_ID{BRK00445}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites}
$Title{The Risk of Infection and Diarrhea From Raw Eggs}
$Subject{eggs Salmonella}
$Volume{A-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Risk of Infection and Diarrhea From Raw Eggs


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QUESTION:  My friend claims he has a great recipe for the "morning after"
blues.  He mixes a raw egg with a lot of other junk and claims his head clears
right up.  I told him he could catch an infection and diarrhea with this
concoction but he won't listen.  Please tell him about the risk he runs.

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ANSWER:  The risk of developing a Salmonella intestinal infection from raw
eggs has increased rather dramatically over the last several years.  In
Northeastern United States it has jumped five fold between 1975 and 1985.
While not all cases may be blamed on the eating of raw eggs, at least 29
outbreaks of enteritis associated with raw egg consumption were reported in
the same area of our country in a two year period.  While the method by which
eggs become contaminated is not always easy to determine, prevention of the
infection is simple enough.  Eggs, like other foods that are composed of
animal products, should be cooked thoroughly before eating.  A cooking heat
where the internal temperature of the food reaches at least 165 degrees
Fahrenheit is recommended.  The myth that raw eggs are somehow a special
"health food", or have specific powers to erase the ill effects of night of
alcoholic indulgence, can be totally discounted, despite the claims for
miracle morning after concoctions.  The risk of salmonella infection, with its
symptoms of mild to severe diarrhea, fever, headache and occasionally
vomiting, is far more real, and include the possibility of loss of life.  You
are doing your friend a real service with your accurate advice, and perhaps
showing him this answer to your question may help him, and others during this
time of holiday celebration.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
