What is salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of food poisoning that can make those who have it violently sick. Those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and the very young can die from a salmonella infection. Usually salmonella lives in the intestines of humans and animals – but it can live outside of the body for weeks and even years. Eating salmonella bacteria can lead to major health issues and even death, if the salmonella infection spreads from the digestive system to the blood or other parts of the body.
What are the symptoms of salmonella food poisoning?
Food poisoning symptoms will appear between 12 hours and three days after you have been exposed to the bacteria. Those with salmonella will have diarrhea, vomiting, stomach aches, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, weakness, and dehydration.
What are my chances of getting salmonella?
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 40,000 people report cases of salmonella food poisoning a year. However, many cases go unreported. Some believe that about 1.5 million people are infected with salmonella each year. Only about 400 people die from salmonella each year.
How can I prevent salmonella food poisoning?
Handle raw meat carefully. Cook your food thoroughly, including your eggs. Wash your vegetables thoroughly. Avoid raw meats that have been sitting at room temperature for too long. Keep your cooking and food preparation materials clean, such as utensils, cutting boards, and countertops.
What is the treatment for salmonella?
The body knows how to rid itself of salmonella (though vomiting and diarrhea) so most people do not need treatment. However, many people should watch for dehydration after a salmonella food poisoning case and the elderly or the very young may need to be hospitalized if the salmonella infection spreads.