Can I get infection from someone with sores on their hands?

Question

Hi doctor,

I ate a pineapple today from a street vendor. I saw him cutting the pineapple fresh, and so I ate it. When he was delivering it, I saw a black dry, flaky large sore on his hands. He was not wearing any gloves. Now I am worried about having an infection from this event. I am getting paranoid. Please advice.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Usually, gastric acid can kill almost all the microbe present in the GI (gastrointestinal) infections like dysentery, hepatitis, and viral gastroenteritis from eating contaminated food. But the route is faeco-oral. If he has not washed his hands properly, then there is a chance of having fecal contamination of food. It is unlikely to have a skin infection or blood infection spreading this way.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Do not worry. But one should avoid having food served by a handler having skin sores.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.