Some major germs could be lingering in that Thanksgiving meal prep. Being "extra" cautious could pay off health-wise this Thanksgiving.
"We just want to make sure that you don't first contaminate your entire kitchen with the turkey juices because that could have salmonella or campylobacter. So just be careful when you're handling the raw meat," says Carlota Medus, epidemiologist supervisor in the Minnesota Department of Health's foodborne illness unit.
Medus says cross-contamination can also be an issue.
"So if you get juice on your counter, you should clean it with a good disinfectant and then wash your hands," she says. "Don't use the same cutting board that you're using for meat to prepare your salad and then cook your meat thoroughly."
They are also warning about the impact Norovirus could have on your holiday season. Medus says Norovirus is the number one cause of foorborne outbreaks in Minnesota.
"The number one thing you should do is not go to the holiday party if you're currently ill with vomiting and diarrhea, or if you've been recently or currently ill," she adds. "Don't prepare food for others. You're going to contaminate that food and make everybody sick. You don't want to be the gift that keeps on giving. So it's ok to take a pause and tell your family like, 'hey, you know what? I can't be there.'"
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You could avoid serious illness with a few basic steps this holiday season.
"Wash your hands. I mean, that message never gets old," says Medus. Wash your hands before preparing food for others. Wash your hands before you go through the buffet line and before you put things in your mouth. If you're touching food with your dirty hands that just touch absolutely every surface, you could contaminate that food."
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