What You Need to Know About Salmonella Infections

Of the ten outbreaks listed on the CDC Current OutBreak List for the United States in early summer of 2013, six are caused by different strains of salmonella, a foodbourne illness or food poisoning. According to the CDC, every year approximately 1 in 6 Americans get sick from food poisoning; that's 48 million people.

So, what exactly is salmonella? How is it spread? And how does it end up in your breakfast cereal, meat, or eggs?

Salmonella Defined
Salmonella is bacteria commonly found in food-producing livestock; chickens, cattle, pigs and even humans carry some form of salmonella bacteria in their digestive systems. 

Salmonella Contamination
When the fecal matter of a processed animal comes in contact with a food item, there is a possibility of salmonella contamination.  If the contaminated food item is not properly cleaned and prepared, the salmonella bacteria could be ingested into the human body.  Cross-contamination of food occurs when the bacteria contacts a preparation surface which is not then properly sanitized. Foods coming in contact with that surface become contaminated with the bacteria.  When salmonella bacteria are ingested into the human body, they cause a form of food poisoning. 

The most common food sources of salmonella include contaminated eggs, poultry, meat, unpasteurized milk or juice, cheese, contaminated raw fruits and vegetables, spices, and nuts. In 2006, an outbreak of salmonella in packaged breakfast cereal called Malt-O-Meal sickened a large number of people demonstrating that salmonella can remain viable outside of human or animal bodies for extended periods of time. 

Typically, salmonella bacteria are taken into the body with oral ingestion of contaminated food; however, the bacteria can also enter the body through cuts and abrasions on the skin during the preparation, handling or otherwise touching of any contaminated surface.  In addition to food preparation and ingestion, the salmonella bacteria can be transferred during the handling of reptiles.

Finally, a valid reason not to touch a snake.

Salmonella Statistics
Salmonella is the second most common form of food poisoning after norovirus, but salmonella is in first place as far as hospitalization from food poisoning is concerned, accounting for 35% of all cases. Salmonella is, statistically speaking, also the most deadly form, accounting for 28% of all deaths resulting from food poisoning.

In 2010, an analysis of death certificates between the years of 1990 and 2006 revealed 1,316 Salmonella-related deaths, mostly among older adults or immunocompromised individuals.

Symptoms of Infection
Salmonella infections occur within 12 hours to three days after contamination. The signs that a Salmonella infection is present include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain
• Nausea
• Headache
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle Pain

Dehydration is the major concern in cases of salmonella infections and the goal of any treatment is to replace lost fluids, specifically electrolytes.  There are a number of electrolyte solutions available without a prescription, including sports drinks. In most cases, treatment to relieve the diarrhea should be avoided as this tends to prolong the illness; however, changing your diet during the episode may ease the diarrhea.  A diet rich in binding foods like bananas, rice, applesauce and toast may help. 

A salmonella infection typically has no long-term consequences, and the illness runs its course in 4 to 5 days.  However if a person with a salmonella infection is unable to take fluids orally, there is concern for dehydration.  IN that case, a person may need to receive additional fluids intravenously to replace the fluids lost to diarrhea. 

Prevention Tips
You can help prevent the outbreak of salmonella by preparing food in a sanitary way.  Keep all surfaces coming in contact with raw meat or poultry clean.  In addition to cutting surfaces, keep all cutting utensils clean between uses.  Cross-contamination is a major concern with salmonella bacteria.  Fruits and vegetables are capable of becoming contaminated with the bacteria if they come in contact with any preparation surface which has not been cleaned.  When handling food, keep your hands clean.  Wash with hot, soapy water between preparations to remove the bacteria from your skin.

If you have reptiles in your home, always wash your hands after handling them, and be sure to monitor your children when they are around reptilian pets.  Touching the pet with the hands, and then putting the hands to mouth may transfer the salmonella bacteria.

If you’ve ever suffered from a salmonella infection, you know it’s not fun. But by following the prevention tips above you can avoid being contaminated in the future. And for those instances you have no control over, such as the Malt-O-Meal cereal case or other outbreaks, make sure you’re attuned to any notices or recalls issued by the FDA, or to the CDC Outbreak List.