On October 24, local time, Spanish food safety and nutrition authorities reported that some batches of a cheese product on the market in the country contained staphylococcal toxins. Batches containing toxins have been distributed in several regions of Spain.

Authorities reported that Spain has not yet recorded any cases related to the product. Health authorities have warned that residents who have purchased batches of cheese products that may contain toxins can return them to the point of purchase, and seek immediate medical attention if they have eaten a batch of cheese products that may contain toxins and develop symptoms.

Staph infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that usually appears on the skin or in the nostrils, even in healthy people. In most cases, these bacteria don't cause problems or cause relatively mild skin infections.

But a staph infection can also be fatal if the bacteria invade the body and get into the blood, joints, bones, lungs, or heart. More and more otherwise healthy people are suffering from life-threatening staph infections.

Food Poisoning

Staphylococcus is one of the most common causes of food poisoning. The onset of symptoms is rapid, usually within hours of consuming the contaminated food. Symptoms also usually go away quickly, usually lasting only half a day.

A staph infection in food usually does not cause a fever. Signs and symptoms of this staph infection include:

nausea and vomiting

diarrhea

dehydration

low blood pressure

Toxic Shock Syndrome

This life-threatening condition is caused by toxins produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus and has been linked to certain types of tampons, skin wounds, and surgical procedures. It usually occurs suddenly, with the following symptoms:

high fever

nausea and vomiting

a rash on the palms and soles that resembles a sunburn

confusion

muscle ache

diarrhea

stomach pain

Bacteremia

Bacteremia, also called a bloodstream infection, occurs when staph bacteria enter the bloodstream. Signs of bacteremia are fever and hypotension. Bacteria can enter deep within the body and cause infections that affect:

Internal organs such as the brain, heart, or lungs

bones and muscles

Surgically implantable devices such as artificial joints or pacemakers