Ways To Prevent Amebiasis

Avoid Unpasteurized Dairy Products

In the United States and many other countries, dairy products are pasteurized to kill parasites and other infection-causing germs such as E. coli, listeria, and salmonella. Pasteurization involves heating dairy products for a short time to kill harmful bacteria. Raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy products are often promoted as a way to boost health, but researchers and clinicians routinely advise that everyone avoid unpasteurized dairy products due to the high risk of illness. In particular, pregnant women, children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions such as cancer and diabetes face an especially high risk of complications from the consumption of unpasteurized products. Diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps are all likely to occur after eating these products, and some patients have died due to infections contracted from this form of dairy. Patients who have consumed unpasteurized food or drink should monitor themselves for symptoms and visit the doctor urgently if they develop diarrhea or other side effects. While traveling in foreign countries, patients are urged to be very cautious about consuming dairy products. Out of an abundance of caution, patients with compromised immune systems may wish to avoid dairy products entirely during foreign trips. These products can be easily replaced with non-dairy alternatives such as rice milk or almond milk.

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