Salmonella: What You Need to Know
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the United States.
How is Salmonella Spread?
Salmonella is spread through contact with contaminated food or water. Contaminated food typically comes from animal products, such as poultry, eggs, meat, and milk. Raw fruits and vegetables can also be contaminated. Salmonella can also be spread through contact with infected animals or their feces.
Symptoms of Salmonella
Symptoms of food poisoning caused by Salmonella usually develop within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. Symptoms can include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Who is at Risk for Salmonella Infection?
Anyone can get a Salmonella infection, but some people are at higher risk, including:
- Young children
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
How is Salmonella Treated?
Most cases of Salmonella infection do not require treatment. Symptoms usually go away within a few days. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
How to Prevent Salmonella Infection
There are several things you can do to prevent a Salmonella infection, including:
- Cook food to a safe internal temperature.
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
- Avoid raw or undercooked animal products.
- Do not drink unpasteurized milk.
Conclusion
Salmonella is a serious foodborne illness that can cause a variety of symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, and chills. It is important to take steps to prevent Salmonella infection, such as cooking food to a safe internal temperature and washing hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
For more information on Salmonella, please visit the following websites:
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