According to the University of Maine, Salmonella is the most common culprit behind food-borne illnesses. These bacteria can cause great distress in the gastrointestinal system of anyone unlucky enough to ingest them. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea and headaches. Proper handling and preparation of food, paired with good hand washing, can help prevent the spread and contamination of Salmonella.
Infection
Most commonly, infection with Salmonella bacteria is simply referred to as Salmonella poisoning. The technical name is Salmonellosis. This infection frequently causes sickness for approximately one week and may vary in severity. Individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to the illness due to their inability to fight off infection.
Bacteria
Salmonella is a name used to describe over 2,300 types of bacteria. According to the Mayo Clinic, only about 12 of these bacteria actually make people sick when ingested. Other strains of Salmonella are responsible for infecting animals, with no effect on humans. Conversely, strains that infect humans may have no effect on animals.
Spread
Salmonella is spread by ingesting the bacteria, spread via the fecal-oral route. Unsanitary conditions on farms can cause Salmonella to be transported on fresh fruits and vegetables. Milk products have also been linked to the spread of Salmonella, particularly in unpasteurized products such as raw milk and cheese. Pasteurized milk has also been reported to contain Salmonella, due to improper pasteurization, or improper handling afterward.
Illness and Death
According to The Washington Post, Salmonella causes sickness in 1.4 million people, and is responsible for 400 deaths annually. Most deaths occur in elderly patients, small children and those with compromised immune systems such as individuals receiving chemotherapy. Healthy adults and older children tend to recover on their own.
Treatment
Many cases of Salmonella do not require anything more than home treatment. Keeping hydrated is important to replace fluids lost to diarrhea and vomiting. Medications such as loperamide may provide relief from diarrhea, though the Mayo Clinic warns that the drug may also prolong diarrhea related to the infection. Some doctors may prescribe antibiotics to treat Salmonella if it leaves the gastrointestinal tract and enters the blood stream. Intravenous fluids may also be necessary if patients become extremely dehydrated as well.
