Watermelon is a summer staple - hydrating, refreshing, and packed with various nutrients, including fibre and protein. However, recent concerns have raised an unsettling question: can eating watermelon turn deadly? While the fruit itself is safe, experts say that under certain conditions, watermelon food poisoning does occur and, in rare cases, can lead to severe complications – including fatalities.
Yes, like any fresh produce, watermelon can become contaminated with harmful bacteria. It has high natural water and sugar content, which creates an ideal environment for microbes to grow if the fruit is not handled or stored properly. Common pathogens linked to contaminated fruit may include:
According to experts, these bacteria can lead to symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and high fever - classic food poisoning symptoms – which, if not addressed quickly, can be dangerous.
Also read:Biryani, Watermelon, Something Else? Mystery Behind 4 Mumbai Deaths
According to experts, food poisoning from watermelon is relatively mild and resolves with rest and hydration. However, it can become dangerous when severe dehydration occurs due to continuous vomiting or diarrhoea, the infection spreads into the bloodstream, leading to complications like sepsis, and the affected person is a child, elderly, pregnant, or someone who is immunocompromised.
Without timely medical treatment, these complications can become life-threatening. And so, even though rare, watermelon food poisoning can lead to death in extreme cases.
Make sure to always wash the outer rind thoroughly before cutting
Understanding the risk factors is key to prevention:
Unclean knives, cutting boards, or hands can transfer bacteria onto the fruit.
Bacteria may already be present on the outer rind before cutting.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
