Food Poisoning Risks Surge During Summer Months, Experts Warn
Food poisoning cases tend to increase during the summer months due to higher temperatures and improper food handling, according to health experts. Casey Carnell, a physician assistant at UPMC Hamot Center for Digestive Health, explained that symptoms of foodborne illnesses caused by bacterial or viral pathogens can appear within 2 to 96 hours, while parasitic infections may take up to two weeks to manifest. Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, which can last for several days. Experts recommend maintaining hydration with electrolyte solutions and following a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) to ease gastrointestinal distress. While most cases resolve on their own, severe symptoms such as high fever, bloody diarrhea, or dehydration may require medical attention. Vulnerable populations, including infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals, are at higher risk of complications. 
