Salmonellosis is an intestinal bacterial infection caused by inadvertent ingestion of the Salmonella bacterium. Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps or pain, which develop within one to three days of ingesting the bacteria. Most people recover in four to seven days after the onset of symptoms. Food and water are the primary vehicles of Salmonella transmission. Careful food handling and preparation can decrease the risk for salmonellosis.
Raw or Undercooked Eggs
Eggs are a common source of salmonellosis, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bacterium Salmonella enteritidis causes egg-related salmonellosis. This bacterium can infect hens' ovaries, leading to internal bacterial contamination of the eggs. As the infected hens typically show no signs of infection, detection of internal egg contamination proves difficult. Eating raw or undercooked contaminated eggs remains a common source of Salmonella food poisoning. Possible food sources of egg-associated Salmonella include salad dressings or sauces made with raw eggs; homemade ice cream, eggnog or mayonnaise; raw cookie dough or cake batter; and egg dishes with "runny" egg whites or yolks. Thoroughly cooking eggs kills Salmonella.
Raw or Undercooked Meats and Produce
Salmonella may be present in meats and produce, primarily due to fecal contamination from infected animals. Consumption of raw or undercooked contaminated foods often causes salmonellosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that from 2007 to 2010, Salmonella outbreaks occurred due to contamination of peanut butter, frozen potpies, alfalfa sprouts, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers and cantaloupes.
Unpasteurized Dairy Products
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that unpasteurized, or raw, milk and dairy products derived from unpasteurized milk can be a source of Salmonella food poisoning. Pasteurization is a heating process that kills bacteria.
Contaminated Water
Humans and animals infected with Salmonella pass the bacteria in the stool. Ingestion of stool-contaminated water can serve as a route of Salmonella infection. In areas with poor sanitation, contamination of the drinking supply may cause Salmonella outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that private wells can become contaminated with Salmonella due to agricultural or stormwater runoff and sewage system problems. Boiling water for one to three minutes kills any Salmonella that may be present.
Reptiles and Amphibians
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that amphibians and reptiles commonly carry Salmonella. Handling snakes, frogs, toad, turtles, geckos, iguanas, salamanders or chameleons may contaminate the hands with Salmonella. Food preparation or putting the hands in the mouth after touching an amphibian or reptile can lead to salmonellosis. Hand washing after handling these animals or their living environments reduces the risk of infection. CDC also recommends that pet amphibians and reptiles not be allowed to roam freely, as this may contaminate surfaces within the home.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Salmonellosis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Salmonella Enteritidis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Salmonella and Drinking Water From Private Wells
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Salmonella Outbreak Investigations
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Reptiles, Amphibians and Salmonella
