Ingesting feces can make a person sick. Even small amounts can cause illness, as feces contain various microorganisms. This risk comes from bacteria, viruses, and parasites found in digestive waste.
The Dangers of Ingestion
Feces are composed of undigested food remains, metabolic byproducts, and a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria and cells from the digestive tract lining. Many of these microorganisms, while typically harmless within the gut, can become problematic if ingested. Even small quantities of fecal matter can harbor a high concentration of pathogens. These pathogens can include a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
The danger stems from the fecal-oral route of transmission, where microscopic particles of feces are ingested. This can happen through contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth.
Specific Illnesses and Signs
Ingesting feces can lead to a variety of illnesses, with symptoms often mirroring those of food poisoning. Common bacterial infections include E. coli and Salmonella. E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, with symptoms typically appearing 1 to 4 days after exposure. Salmonella infection often results in diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and sometimes vomiting, usually within 8 to 72 hours of exposure.
Viral infections like Norovirus and Hepatitis A are also common. Norovirus causes sudden onset of vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes a low-grade fever, with symptoms usually lasting 1 to 3 days. Hepatitis A, a liver disease, can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice); symptoms can appear 15 to 50 days after exposure and may last for several weeks.
Parasitic infections, such as Giardia and roundworms, are also a concern. Giardia can cause diarrhea, gas, greasy stool, stomach cramps, nausea, and dehydration, with symptoms often starting 1 to 2 weeks after infection. Roundworm infections may lead to stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, or fever, and in some cases, visible worms in bowel movements. The severity of illness depends on the specific pathogen, the amount ingested, and the individual’s immune system.
Steps After Exposure
If feces have been ingested, immediate action involves cleaning the mouth and hands. The mouth should be wiped out with a damp cloth, and a small amount of water can be given to drink to help rinse. Thorough handwashing with soap and water is important to remove any fecal matter.
After these initial steps, it is important to monitor for symptoms like persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. If such symptoms develop, or if the individual is a young child, elderly, or has a weakened immune system, medical attention should be sought. Contacting a poison control center or healthcare provider can provide tailored guidance. Practicing good hygiene, including consistent handwashing, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers and before preparing food, is effective in preventing future accidental ingestion and reducing the spread of pathogens.