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Salmonella infection (Salmonellosis)
WHAT IS IT?
Salmonellosis is an infection
of the intestines caused by bacteria called Salmonella.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms usually develop 6 to
72 hours after consuming infected food or drink. Symptoms
typically last 4 to 7 days and can include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Headache
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Dehydration (fluid loss),
especially among infants and the elderly
HOW IS IT SPREAD?
- Salmonella bacteria leave
the body in the stool. Persons infected with Salmonella can
pass the bacteria to others if they do not wash their hands
well after using the bathroom.
A person can become infected
with Salmonella by:
- Eating food or drinking
water or milk that has been contaminated with Salmonella
bacteria.
- Touching infected animals
and then eating or touching the mouth without washing hands
first. Infected animals often do not appear sick. Animals
commonly infected with Salmonella include chickens, ducks,
pigs, cows, rodents, and reptiles such as snakes, lizards, and
turtles. Pets are a common source of infection.
- Eating ready-to-eat foods
(foods that don’t need to be cooked) that have been prepared
with utensils, or on food preparation surfaces contaminated
with Salmonella.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
- Salmonella infection is
usually diagnosed by a stool test.
- Most people recover without
treatment. Antibiotics are sometimes used for people with
severe illness. Antibiotics may also be helpful for young
infants and people with certain chronic medical conditions
such as cancer, sickle cell disease, HIV infection, other
immune system problems, and chronic gastrointestinal disease.
- Drink plenty of liquids to
prevent dehydration
PREVENTION
- Wash hands with soap and
warm water after going to the bathroom, changing diapers,
touching animals, and before eating or preparing food.
- Cook all meats
thoroughly—particularly poultry.
- Do not eat raw or
undercooked eggs.
- Drink only pasteurized milk.
- Refrigerate food promptly.
- Disinfect food preparation
surfaces, cutting boards and utensils after each contact with
raw meat by wiping or submerging in a solution of 1 teaspoon
liquid household bleach per gallon of water. Let air dry
without rinsing. Prepare fresh bleach solution daily.
- People with diarrhea should
not work as food handlers, care for children or provide health
care. Children with diarrhea should not attend child care or
school.
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