6.4. Salmonella

Salmonella is dangerous because it causes intestinal or general illness when eating foods that are contaminated with the bacteria. In summertime the salmonella infection can be a really big problem. People may get infected with types of Salmonella that cause acute diarrheal disease.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacterium found in the intestines of birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Salmonella infection symptoms:

Fever
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramps
Headache.

The onset of symptoms occurs 12 to 72 hours after a person is infected with Salmonella and usually last 4 to 7 days.

A person acquires the infection eating any food that has been handled in unsanitary conditions. Contaminated foods are usually animal products like meat, poultry, and dairy products. Fruits, vegetables and other foods can also become contaminated with Salmonella. A person may become infected if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after coming into contact with human or animal feces. Reptiles, such as turtles and snakes are particular carriers of Salmonella. It is important that a person wash their hands immediately after handling reptiles or birds or after they come into contact with their environment. Salmonellais are also found in the feces of other pets.

Most people are symptom free in 4-7 days without treatment. It is extremely important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration from diarrhea. People with severe diarrhea may need to be hospitalized. In some cases, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and reach other parts of the body. This complication could lead to death unless the person is treated with antibiotics. Although most people do not need treatment, Salmonella infection can be dangerous to infants, elderly persons, and those with compromised immune systems.

How to prevent Salmonella?

Always wash your hands with hot, soapy water after using the bathroom.
Cook poultry, ground beef, and eggs thoroughly.
Wash hands, cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with hot water and soap before and after handling food and when switching between types of food, for example, from meat to vegetables.
Wash hands immediately after coming into contact with animal feces. Reptiles and birds can be carriers of Salmonella so it is important to wash one’s hands right after handling them or coming into contact with their environment.
Use plastic cutting boards for meat. The risk of contaminating your food is greater when wooden cutting boards are used because they have residue even though they are washed carefully. Wood has many cracks in which salmonella and other bacterium can spread.
Avoid cross-contamination of different types of foods. Keep uncooked meats separate from produce, cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods.
Do not eat or drink food containing raw eggs or unpasteurized milk.
If you are served meat, poultry or eggs that are undercooked do not hesitate to send the food back to the kitchen for further cooking.
People infected with Salmonella should not prepare food or pour water for others until their diarrhea has subsided.