Salmonella is a potentially dangerous bacterial poisoning that can result from consuming raw or undercooked chicken and eggs. According to November 2009 ABC News article that referred to a "Consumer Reports" conclusion that two-thirds of chickens in America carry the salmonella bacteria, about 25,000 people are hospitalized after contracting salmonella every year and about 500 of those cases result in death. It's important to know how to treat and prevent this bacterial disease.
Background
There are several types of salmonella bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the one most commonly present in the United States is medically termed enteritidis, but is typically just referred to as salmonella. Typhimurim is the second most common type of salmonella. This particular type of salmonella results in typhoid fever. It is usually contracted by people traveling outside of the United States.
Causes
Salmonella lives in the intestines of humans and other animals, including birds, according to the CDC. It is possible to catch salmonella through contact with live birds or bird feces. However, most people contract it by consuming undercooked meat or eggs or by consuming foods that came into contact with undercooked meat or eggs. Chicken that contains salmonella doesn't look or smell any differently than non-infected chicken.
Symptoms
Salmonella affects the intestinal tract in humans. The most common symptom is severe diarrhea. According to the Mayo Clinic, other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, fever, the presence of blood in the stool, chills or headache. Most of these symptoms are present within 12 to 72 hours after infection and typically last five to seven days according to the CDC.
Treatment
A stool test can determine whether a person has salmonella. However, many people do not need to seek medical help as long as they stay hydrated. According to the CDC, antibiotics are only necessary if the infection spreads to outside of the gastrointestinal tract. Certain groups like young children, the elderly, pregnant woman and anyone with a weakened immune system should contact a health care provider at the onset of these symptoms to avoid further complications.
Prevention/Solution
Because there is no vaccine to protect against salmonella, the CDC recommends completely avoiding raw or undercooked foods. Be sure that chicken is cooked all the way through and not pink in the middle. Avoid cake and cookie dough or batter as they likely contain raw eggs. Certain homemade items such as hollandaise sauce, Caesar salad dressing, mayonnaise, tiramisu, and ice cream may also contain raw eggs.
It's also important to use separate cutting boards for raw chicken and vegetables so potential salmonella bacteria can't be spread to other foods. Finally, always thoroughly wash hands after coming into contact chickens, other birds or animal feces.
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