Introduction to Salmonella
Salmonella is a common type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of humans, animals and birds. People usually become sick from salmonella poisoning by eating contaminated foods. Salmonella infection is typically signaled by diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and fever, 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Illness from Salmonella poisoning can last four to seven days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Means of Transmission
Salmonella is the most frequently reported cause of food-borne illness, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These microscopic organisms are transmitted through various channels, but the most common means is by ingesting food contaminated with animal feces. Although salmonella contaminated foods usually look and smell normal, they contain undetectable traces of the illness-inducing bacteria. Such foods are often animal products such as meats, milk or eggs. However, it is possible for any food to become contaminated with Salmonella. Feces can get into meat products during the butchering process or in the case of seafood, from being harvested from polluted water. Chickens may pass salmonella bacteria into their eggs, and fruits and vegetables may be washed or watered with contaminated water, according to the the Mayo Clinic.
If meats or any raw foods of animal origin are not cooked thoroughly, Salmonella can survive and cause food poisoning. Inadequately washed fruits and vegetables can also harbor the bacteria. Salmonella can be passed between foods through cross-contamination as is the case when the juices from raw meats come into contact with food that is ready to eat. Food contamination can also occur through unsanitary preparation methods such as handling foods with unwashed infected hands.
Although the most common, food is not always the route of transmission for Salmonella. The bacteria can be present in the feces or diarrhea of some pets. People can become infected from handling these pets and not washing their hands afterward. Reptiles and birds are especially likely to harbor the Salmonella bacteria. It is important to thoroughly wash your hands after handling any reptiles or birds even if they appear to be healthy, says the CDC.
Preventing Transmission and Infection
You can prevent Salmonella poisoning by not eating raw or undercooked eggs and meats. Thoroughly wash produce and avoid unpasteurized dairy products. Be aware that certain foods may contain raw eggs such as salad dressing, homemade ice cream, cookie dough and hollandaise sauce. Cross-contamination of foods can be prevented by washing hands, utensils and all surfaces that come into contact with uncooked meat. Keep prepared foods separate from raw meats and meat juices.
Someone who is already sick with Salmonella should avoid preparing food or serving beverages to others until their infection has passed. Frequent hand-washing, especially after changing a diaper, using the toilet or coming into contact with animal feces, reptiles or birds will also help to stop transmission of Salmonella bacteria.
