Salmonella is a genus of bacteria that is associated with food poisoning and food-borne illnesses such as salmonellosis. More than 2,000 species of Salmonella bacteria are known to exist, but only about 12 are pathogenic and can cause disease in humans, according to MayoClinic.com. Between 2 million and 4 million cases of salmonellosis are reported each year in the United States, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Sources
Salmonella bacteria are found in many common food sources, including raw meat and poultry, fish, shrimp, frog legs, eggs, dairy products, peanut butter, chocolate, cocoa, cake mixes, yeast, coconut, salad dressings, sauces, gelatin and cream-filled desserts, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Salmonella bacteria also can be found in the environment, including in soil and water.
Food Contamination
Salmonella bacteria live in the intestinal tracts of animals, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In most cases, people contract salmonellosis by eating food products that have been contaminated with animal feces. The illness also can be spread by food-industry workers who do not follow proper hygiene procedures. In some cases, salmonella bacteria can also cross-contaminate. For example, meat containing the bacteria might come in contact with carrots that are eaten without being cooked. Evidence of salmonella contamination will not be evident on your food. Contaminated food products will look, smell and taste normal.
Prevention
Most cases of salmonella poisoning can be prevented by following proper procedures for handling and preparing food. Meat, poultry, seafood and eggs should be cooked thoroughly and never consumed raw, according to the CDC. Also, avoid use of unpasteurized dairy products, which might contain the bacteria. When cooking, always use soap and water to wash your hands before and after handling raw meat, poultry and seafood, and wash all surfaces—countertops, utensils and cutting boards—that have come in contact with raw food.
Infection Symptoms
If you contract salmonellosis, symptoms will mainly affect your gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps and a fever, according to the CDC. Early signs of infection typically develop between 12 and 72 hours after eating contaminated food and can persist for four to seven days. Most people with recover without medical intervention, but diarrhea can be severe enough to cause dehydration requiring hospitalization. Infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk of severe illness from salmonella infection.
Treatment
The main treatment for salmonellosis is drinking fluids to replace bodily fluids lost because of the severe diarrhea. Medications that prevent diarrhea can also be used, but they might be ineffective or prolong the diarrhea's duration, according to MayoClinic.com. If the infectious bacteria enters the bloodstream, antibiotics can be prescribed to kill it. In most cases, though, people will begin returning to normal within a week of getting sick. Regular bowel habits might not resume for several months, though, the CDC says.
