14 Common Summer Bugs You Didn't Know You Could Catch

2. Food Poisoning: The Summer Picnic Peril

Summer BBQs and picnics are notorious breeding grounds for foodborne illnesses. Bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli thrive in warmer temperatures, rapidly multiplying in unrefrigerated dishes like potato salad, grilled meats, or unwashed produce. The ingenious danger lies in cross-contamination, where raw meat juices contaminate cooked food, or hands transfer bacteria. Symptoms like intense cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea often strike hours after exposure. Vigilant food safety—proper cooking temperatures, diligent refrigeration, and meticulous handwashing—is your best defense against this seasonal gastronomic gamble.