Page 32 - 2025 - Q1 - Minerva in Focus

MINERVA IN FOCUS Health & wellbeing

Are you washing your hands correctly?

Food and waterborne infections, as To prevent food and waterborne diseases, tact with food that will not be cooked
well as infections of the gastrointesti- follow these safe food and water handling (e.g. salads).
nal system in general, are transmitted practices: • Always wash your hands after using the
by consuming food that has not been • Drink bottled water if you are not certain bathroom
properly handled and contains patho- about the safety of the tap water/water • Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that
gens. Transmission can also occur via source. When in doubt, DRINK BOT- cannot be peeled. Vegetables like
the oral-faecal route. TLED WATER. lettuce are easily contaminated and are
• Do not use ice in beverages when very hard to wash well.
traveling. • When you eat raw fruit or vegetables
• Do not swallow water and keep your that can be peeled, peel them yourself
mouth closed when taking a shower. and wash your hands with soap first.
• Wash your hands before preparing food Do not eat the peelings.
Scan the QR code to watch and after handling raw meat. • Avoid food and beverages from street
a video on basic food • Cook meat and eggs thoroughly until vendors, as maintaining proper hygiene
handling by the Centres they reach an internal temperature of and food safety on the street is chal-
for Disease Control and 71°C (160°F). lenging, leading to a higher risk of illness
Prevention (CDC) • Do not eat foods containing raw eggs or
milk (e.g., undercooked French toast). If you get sick
• Do not cook raw meat in the micro- Food and waterborne infections will usually
wave, as it may not reach a high enough resolve on their own within 24 to 48. However,
internal temperature to kill Salmonella if symptoms persist, contact your medical
bacteria and may be unevenly cooked. provider for further instructions, testing, and
• Avoid bringing uncooked meat into con- medication.

30 ISSUE 31 / Q1 2025