Food poisoning occurs when an infection causes inflammation in the lining of the intestines, which leads to the secretion of fluids as well as its inability to absorb fluids, said Dr Muthiah.
"The body tries to get rid of this, resulting in vomiting and/or diarrhoea."
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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 19, 2018, with the headline When can food poisoning kill?. Subscribe