Eating raw or undercooked chicken causes food poisoning. Cross-contamination of uncooked foods, such as vegetables, with raw chicken juices is another cause of food poisoning. Using a cutting board and utensils to cut up raw chicken and then using the same unwashed cutting board and utensils to prepare other foods is a way of spreading the bacteria from the raw poultry. The signs of food poisoning include fever, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Fever
A fever is a sign of food poisoning. A person will have a fever because the body raises its temperature to fight the infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a fever, along with the other signs of food poisoning, develops within two to five days after exposure to campylobacter and 12 to 72 hours after exposure to salmonella. Contact a physician for an oral temperature higher than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain and abdominal cramps are signs of food poisoning. Abdominal cramps are the result of involuntary muscle contractions. The intestines are affected by the campylobacter and salmonella bacteria. This causes intestinal inflammation, cramping and decreased absorption of nutrients. Contact a physician if the abdominal pain and cramps are severe. Recovery from food poisoning caused by campylobacter can take from two to five days. However, some individuals can be ill for 10 days. Most people recover from food poisoning caused by salmonella in four to seven days.
Diarrhea
Most people suffering from food poisoning will get diarrhea. The bacterial infection in the intestines triggers diarrhea. Diarrhea is the body's way of getting rid of the offending bacteria. Bloody diarrhea may occur with food poisoning caused by campylobacter. Call a doctor if frequent vomiting lasts longer than two days and if severe diarrhea persists for more than three days. Cases associated with severe diarrhea require hospitalization. The elderly, infants, and individuals with suppressed immune systems are vulnerable to developing a severe food poisoning infection.
