What is Salmonella?

Samonella is a group of bacteria that cause diarrheal illness in humans such as typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever and samonellosis (food bourne illness we hear of most). They are a rod shaped looking microscopic living creatures discovered by an American scientist named Salmon, for whom they are named. Salmonella live in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, including birds and can infect humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces.

Contaminated foods are often of animal products like beef, poultry, milk, or eggs, but any food, can become contaminated, especially from food handlers and preparers that have not washed their hands properly. This can happen at home too when preparing food after using the bathroom or tending to pets, (they can carry salmonella as well).

Samonellosis is very hard to diagnose as many other bacteria can cause similar symptoms. According to the FDA, “Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.” However, most samonellaosi illnesses resolve themselves in 5 -7 days. If you suspect you or a family member has Samonellosis, see your doctor or a health care professional right away. Don’t take chances!

To prevent Somonellosis, the FDA reccoments to never eat raw or undercooked eggs, poultry or meat; avoid cross contamination of foods (like using the same cutting boards for raw chicken then vegetables); and wash hands often with warm soapy water, especially after using the bathroom and tending to the sick or to animals. People who have been diagnosed with samonellosis should not prepare food or beverages for others until they are well again.