Whether it's eggs, poultry or pre-cut fruit, there's frequently news of a salmonella outbreak. Salmonella is a bacteria that causes the foodborne illness salmonellosis. It's been known to cause illness for more than 130 years.
When an outbreak or a recall is in the news, you may wonder what symptoms to look for.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the onset of salmonella symptoms can take anywhere from 12 hours to three days following the ingestion of contaminated food or drink.
Symptoms include the following:
nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
diarrhea
fever
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the illness typically lasts four to seven days and that most people recover without antibiotic treatment. The diarrhea, however, can be severe and may require hospitalization.
While most people can expect to recover, the CDC notes that the elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems may be at risk for more severe infections. These patients are in particular danger if the salmonella spreads from the intestines to the bloodstream and then on to other parts of the body. This type of infection can result in death if it is not treated promptly.
How people get sick
The CDC estimates that each year in the U.S., about 1.2 million people get sick from salmonellosis, with 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths. People commonly get infected with salmonella by eating contaminated food, such as:
Raw or undercooked meat and poultry products
Raw or undercooked eggs and egg products
Raw or unpasteurized milk and other dairy products
Raw fruits and vegetables.
People can also become infected by handling contaminated food, such as contaminated pet food, or touching contaminated surfaces and utensils and then spreading the bacteria from their hands to their mouths.
Stay safe from salmonella
To help prevent a salmonella infection, WebMD suggests:
1.Don't eat raw or undercooked eggs, beef, pork or poultry.
2.Refrigerate food properly — before cooking and after serving.
3.Wash your hands well before and after handling food.
4.Keep kitchen surfaces clean.
5.Don't mix raw and cooked food or use the same pans or utensils to prepare them.
6.Cook foods properly to the correct minimum temperature.
7.Wash raw fruits and vegetables well, and peel if possible.
8.Wash your hands after touching animals, their bedding and their toys.
