What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection (salmonellosis) that results in severe abdominal cramping, fever and diarrhea, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These symptoms can be severe and lead to dehydration, and should be treated with antibiotic medications.
Salmonella in the Body
Salmonella bacteria naturally occur in the body--they're found in the intestinal tract in not only humans, but also in other animals. Because they're in the intestines, salmonella contaminate feces, and if those feces come into contact with a food item such as vegetables or meat, that food becomes contaminated and can pass on the salmonella bacteria to anyone who eats it.
Salmonella in Food
Just about any food we eat can be contaminated with salmonella if it came into contact with feces that contain the bacteria. Most often, milk, eggs, beef and chicken are the culprits that pass along salmonella in food, according to the CDC, but even vegetables can carry the bacteria.
Salmonella in Pet Feces
Even your household pet can contaminate you with salmonella bacteria. Particularly reptiles (snakes, turtles and lizards), as well as birds and chicks, produce feces contaminated with salmonella. It's even more likely that your pet can transmit salmonella if they have diarrhea, notes the CDC.
Poor Hygiene
The salmonella bacteria can be transmitted from person to person (or person to a food item) by poor hygiene--specifically, not washing hands. It's important to always wash your hands after using the restroom, but especially if you're going to handle food afterward. If you don't, salmonella can then be spread to the food, making anyone who eats it sick with salmonellosis. Even just putting your fingers in your mouth can pass salmonella and lead to an infection, if you've recently touched the bacteria or just used the restroom.
