Skip to content | Skip to navigation
The Salmonella germ is a group of bacteria that can cause diarrhea
illness in people. Salmonella are microscopic living creatures
that pass from the feces of people or animals, to other people or
other animals. There are many different kinds of Salmonella bacteria.
Salmonella serotype Typhimurium and Salmonella serotype Enteritidis
are the most common in the United States.
Symptoms:
Most people who are infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea,
fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.
The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most
people recover without treatment.
How is it transmitted?
Each year about 40,000 cases of salmonella poisoning (salmonellosis)
are reported in the U.S. Salmonella are usually transmitted
by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. Contaminated
foods usually look and smell normal. Contaminated
foods are often of animal origin, such as poultry, milk, or eggs,
but all foods, including vegetables may become contaminated. Many
raw foods of animal origin are frequently contaminated, but fortunately,
thorough cooking kills Salmonella. Food may also become contaminated
by the hands of an infected food handler who forgot to wash his
or her hands with soap after using the bathroom.
Prevention:
There is no salmonellosis vaccine. Since foods of animal origin
may be contaminated with Salmonella, you should avoid eating raw
or undercooked eggs, poultry, or meat.
Treatment:
Many different kinds of illnesses can cause diarrhea, fever, or
abdominal cramps, so lab tests are required to diagnose salmonellosis.
Once Salmonella has been identified, further testing can determine
its specific type, and which antibiotics could be used to treat
it.
Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5-7 days and often do not
require treatment unless the patient becomes severely dehydrated
or the infection spreads from the intestines. People with severe
diarrhea may require rehydration, often with intravenous fluids.
Antibiotics are not usually necessary unless the infection spreads
from the intestines.
What to do if you think you have Salmonella poisoning:
If you think you have salmonella poisoning, contact your doctor
right away. They may want to see you for testing or treatment.
Tips for Preventing Salmonella Poisoning
You should report cases of salmonella poisoning
to the Environmental Health Department. If many cases occur at the
same time, it may mean that a restaurant, food or water supply has
a problem which needs correction.
Contact us at (505) 768-2600.