Foodborne illness affects about 76 million Americans a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although symptoms can vary widely, from stomach upset to kidney or liver failure, it is important to always take precautions when it comes to what you eat. Eating raw fish in foods like sushi is risky, and can cause an upset stomach.
Sushi
Sushi was initially a technique used for preserving fish developed by Southeast Asians in the 4th century B.C., according to the food website The Nibble. It wasn't until the 8th century when it reached Japan that it turned into a dish, and slowly developed into what you know as sushi today -- a bite-size food item made from fish and rice. Sushi ingredients vary, and may include raw or cooked fish, seaweed, fish roe or vegetables.
Foodborne Pathogens
The primary concern about sushi is the use of raw fish. Consuming raw or improperly cooked fish increases your risk of getting sick. Fish and seafood are most often contaminated with the foodborne pathogens Vibrio vulnificus or Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Vibrio vulnificus is a warm seawater pathogen that, when ingested, causes diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. If this pathogen enters your bloodstream, it can be deadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is also a warm seawater pathogen found on raw fish and seafood. When ingested, it causes abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills.
Treatment
If you get an upset stomach after eating sushi, a foodborne pathogen may be the cause and you should contact your doctor immediately. Samples of your stool or blood are needed to diagnose the pathogen making you sick. Antibiotic treatment of Vibrio vulnificus improves your recovery and survival rate. Antibiotic treatment is not usually necessary for an infection with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, but you should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Considerations
Foodborne pathogens are not typically found in the muscle of the fish meat. Contamination usually occurs when the fish is handled improperly. To reduce your risk of getting sick, your sushi should be made from high-grade fish and come from a reputable source. Or, you can eat the sushi made with just rice and vegetables. It is especially important that pregnant women avoid sushi. Eating contaminated fish can affect the health of the growing fetus.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Food-Related Illnesses and Death in the United States; Paul S. Mead, et al.; 1999
- The Nibble; History of Sushi; August 2008
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vibrio Vulnificus
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vibrio Parahaemolyticus
- The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service: Safe Seafood
- American Dietetic Association: Can Pregnant Or Nursing Women Eat Fish?
