If you live in the National Capital Region and you're planning to head to the market anytime soon, bear in mind that you need to be more careful when selecting chicken meat.
According to GMA News, the Department of Health (DOH) is warning the public that about 80% of chicken meat (or 8 out of 10 chickens) being sold in some markets across the NCR have been contaminated by a certain form of bacteria.
Citing a study by the University of the Philippine-Institute of Biology, the DOH told GMA's Unang Balita that they found Campylobacter bacteria, which is one of the most common causes of acute gastroenteritis. Acute gastroenteritis causes stomach pain, high fever, and diarrhea 2 to 5 days after ingestion.
8 out of 10 chickens in various NCR markets may be contaminated by bacteria
Researchers tested chicken breast meat, gizzard, intestines, liver, chicken skin and thigh chicken parts for their study.
The Manila Times reports that the data was collected in 2014, but the findings were only published in late 2016.
"Bloody diarrhea may be experienced in more severe cases, accompanied by nausea and vomiting," warned biologist Angela Carlos in an interview with The Manila Times. "The illness is usually self-limiting in healthy individuals, lasting about a week. In immune-compromised people, however, the organism may spread to the bloodstream [a condition known as bacteremia]and cause a life-threatening infection."
So parents, make sure to carefully select any meat you purchase and to thoroughly clean chicken meat purchased prior to cooking and preparation to keep your family safe.
sources: GMA News, The Manila Times
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