Foodborne Illness – Salmonella Poisoning

Salmonellosis is an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Salmonella.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop 6 to 72 hours after bacteria are swallowed. Symptoms may disappear untreated within 2 to 5 days.

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Headache
• Fever
• Vomiting (sometimes)
• Dehydration, especially among infants and the elderly.

How It Is Spread

• Salmonella bacteria leaves the body in the stool. If infected people fail to wash their hands well after going to the bathroom, they can pass the bacteria to others from their hands.
• Salmonella can be spread by contaminated food, water, or milk.
• Salmonella spreads through contact with infected animals, especially poultry, pigs, cattle, rodents, and pets such as reptiles, chicks, ducklings, turtles, dogs, and cats.
• Outbreaks of salmonella are usually traced to foods such as:
  • commercially processed meat products
  • inadequately cooked poultry and poultry products
  • uncooked or lightly cooked foods containing eggs and egg products
  • unpasteurized milk and dairy products
  • foods contaminated with feces of an infected food handler
• Salmonella contamination has been identified in food that was processed or prepared with contaminated cooking utensils or on contaminated cutting boards or counter tops.

Diagnosis & Treatment

• Salmonella infection can be diagnosed from a stool sample.
• Most people recover on their own without any treatment.
• Drink plenty of liquids (clean water, clear juices, and soup) to prevent dehydration (fluid loss).

Prevention

• Wash hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.
• Cook all meats, particularly poultry, pork, egg products and meat dishes thoroughly.
• Wash, rinse, and sanitize food preparation surfaces and utensils after each use (1 teaspoon liquid household bleach per gallon of water can be used for sanitizing). Do not rinse. Let air dry. Prepare fresh bleach solution frequently throughout the day.
• Do not eat raw or undercooked eggs.
• Drink only pasteurized milk.
• Dispose of diapers properly and wash your hands after changing diapers.
• Refrigerate food promptly.

NOTE: People who have diarrhea should avoid handling food or caring for children or patients. Children who have diarrhea should not go to child care.