Top 10 Facts About Salmonella Infections
1. What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness called Salmonellosis. The bacteria can be found in raw poultry, eggs, milk, meat, and other contaminated products. It can cause gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. If left untreated, Salmonella can cause dehydration, blood infection, and, in rare cases, death.
2. How is Salmonellosis Spread?
Salmonellosis is typically spread from person to person by contaminated foods, including poultry, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Cross-contamination can occur when raw poultry touches other items in the refrigerator or from cooking utensils that have been used with raw meat. It can also be spread through ingestion of contaminated food and water.
3. What are the Symptoms of Salmonellosis?
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Abdominal cramps
4. Who is Most at Risk of Contracting Salmonellosis?
Anyone who eats contaminated food can be infected with Salmonella, however, certain people are at an increased risk of becoming more severely ill. This includes young children, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems.
5. What is the Treatment for Salmonellosis?
Most people can recover from the illness without treatment, however in some cases antibiotics may be prescribed. Mild cases of Salmonellosis usually resolve in four to seven days. In more severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
6. How Can Salmonella Infections be Prevented?
Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry and eggs.
Cook poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Clean kitchen surfaces and utensils that have touched raw poultry with hot soapy water.
Store raw poultry and eggs separately from other foods.
Refrigerate cooked foods promptly and eat them within four days.
7. Is Salmonella a Zoonotic Disease?
Salmonella is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is capable of causing illness in both humans and animals. Cats and dogs can carry the bacteria, so it is important to practice good hygiene after handling pets.
8. Can Salmonella Survive in Cooking?
Yes, Salmonella can survive cooking temperatures of up to 165°F. It is important to ensure all poultry and eggs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F or higher to properly kill any bacteria present.
9. Are Certain Types of Salmonella More Dangerous Than Others?
Yes, there are certain types of Salmonella that can cause more serious symptoms. Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis can cause severe food poisoning if not promptly treated.
10. Can Salmonella Be Transmitted From Human to Human?
In some cases, yes. Salmonella can be passed from person to person through food-borne contact or through the unhygienic handling of contaminated food. It is important to practice good hygiene when handling food and wash hands after contact with uncooked food.