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Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria called the salmonella bacteria. The most common symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps for about 6 to 72 hrs after infection. Normally this infection is not very serious and the illness last only for 4 to 7 days. In most cases the affected persons recover without treatment. However in certain rare cases the diarrhea may be aggravated and as a result the patient might become completely dehydrated .under such conditions the patient is needed to be taken to the hospital where the patient is given intravenous fluids to treat dehydration. Also other medicines might be given to provide symptoms related relief like fever reduction.
Also in very serious conditions salmonella infection might spread from intestines to the blood stream. From there it can move to other body sites where infection might cause even death if it is not treated properly and at the right time with proper antibiotics. This form of serious condition is more prevalent among infants and elderly who have a weaker immune system. The bacteria is normally carried to humans by chickens, cows, and reptiles such as turtles, lizards, and iguanas.
Preventing Infection: prevention is always better than cure so the following steps on your part goes a long way in preventing the chances of infection.
1.Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and changing diapers of children’s, and also before handling or eating any food. Do make sure that persons with diarrhea, most importantly children, wash their hands carefully and frequently using soap to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
If you remain in close contact with farm animals, pets, animal feces, and animal than always make sure you wash your hand after you come in contact with them.
Also in the kitchen keep your food preparation areas clean .always make it a point to keep raw meat and poultry separate from produce and other foods when shopping for and storing groceries. Never forget to wash cutting boards, countertops, cutlery, and utensils after handling uncooked poultry. Wash raw fruits and vegetables before eating.
2. Cross-Contamination Kitchen tools and food are always prone to contamination from different kinds of bacteria. Therefore whenever possible avoid unpasteurized foods, (raw) milk and even foods made from unpasteurized milk. Always cook and store your food at appropriate temperatures.
Never eat raw or undercooked eggs. Use pasteurized eggs when making items that do not require cooking, such as hollandaise sauce, salad dressing, uncooked pies, or homemade ice cream. Make it a point to thoroughly cook raw meat and poultry to destroy the bacteria. .
3. Be careful when dealing with animals Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap after contact with farm animals, pets, animal feces, and animal environments.
4. Use caution when swimming Avoid the intake of lake or pool water while swimming. Any person who is suffering with a
diarrhea illness should always avoid swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing baths with others, and cooking food for others.
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