FOOD poisoning tops the list of infectious diseases notified in Herefordshire.
The latest figures show that at the end of 2002 nearly 300 cases were recorded.
Of these 246 were caused by the bacteria known as campylobacter, which has come to prominence in recent years.
Its source is usually linked to food and Dr Mike Deakin, the county's director of public health, is urging people to be careful with hygiene.
Taking extra care over temperature, cleanliness and personal hygiene can eliminate the risks.
The bacteria appears to be at its worst at barbecue time, with more cases reported.
Leaving food out in the sun making it warm, not cooking it enough, handling different kinds of food and not washing hands in between are thought to be the main reasons.
In 2002 the next highest reported infectious disease was whooping cough, with eight cases, followed by meningococcal septicaemia with six, dysentery with five, TB with five, and mumps and viral hepatitis both with four.
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