Humidity is a common part of many climates, and while it may seem like a minor annoyance, it can have serious impacts on our health. One of the major health risks that increase during humid weather is the chance of contracting food borne illnesses like food poisoning and jaundice. The reason behind this is simple: food spoils more easily in humid conditions, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses.

The Connection Between Humidity, Food Spoilage, and Illness

Humidity is essentially the amount of water vapour in the air. In humid conditions, the air is saturated with water vapour, which can affect the freshness and safety of food. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi love warm, moist environments, and they can multiply rapidly under these conditions, leading to food spoilage.

When we consume spoiled food, we are at risk of contracting food borne illnesses such as food poisoning or jaundice. These conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by liver damage).

Identifying Food Poisoning Based on Timing of Symptoms

One way to identify if you may have contracted food poisoning is to consider the timing of your symptoms. Different harmful organisms can cause food poisoning, and each has a different incubation period – that is, the time between when you ingest the organism and when symptoms start.

For example, if you start experiencing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea within a few hours after eating, it could be due to Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can produce toxins in food. If symptoms like fever and abdominal cramps start a day or two after eating contaminated food, it may be due to Salmonella or E. coli.

Preventing Food borne Illnesses in Humid Weather

While the risk of food borne illnesses is higher in humid weather, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

  • One of the most important is proper food storage and handling.
  • Keep perishable foods refrigerated, and don’t leave them out for long periods.
  • Cook food thoroughly, and wash your hands and kitchen surfaces regularly to avoid cross-contamination.
  • In addition, stay hydrated and avoid foods that have been sitting out in the heat.

Remember, if you’re unsure about the safety of a food item, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not eat it.

Contact Information

If you have any queries related to food poisoning or jaundice, feel free to reach out to us at
9062-200-200 or visit our website www.ealabs.co.in. We are here to help you understand and navigate these health risks, especially during times of humid weather.