Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that generally affects the intestinal tract and occasionally the bloodstream. It is one of the more common causes of food-related illness. In 2001, there were 1,345 cases reported among Berkeley County residents (rate of 16.8 cases per 100,000 persons). Most Cases occur in the summer and early fall.
Who gets salmonellosis?
Any person can get salmonellosis, but it is recognized more often in infants and children.
How are Salmonella bacteria spread?
Salmonella are spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by direct contact with infected people or animals.
Where are Salmonella found?
Salmonella are widely distributed in our food chain and environment. The organisms often contaminate raw meat, eggs, unpasteurized milk, and cheese products. Other sources of exposure may include contact with infected pet reptiles, pet chicks or ducks, dogs, and cats.
What are the symptoms of salmonellosis?
People exposed to Salmonella may experience mild or severe diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and occasionally vomiting. Bloodstream infections can be quite serious, particularly in the very young or elderly.
How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
The symptoms generally appear 1 to 3 days after infection.
For how long can an infected person carry the Salmonella germ?
The carrier stage varies from several days to many months. Infants and people who have been treated with oral antibiotics tend to carry the germ longer than others.
How is salmonellosis diagnosed?
Salmonellosis is diagnosed by isolating the bacteria from a patient's stool (feces) or blood.
What is the treatment for salmonellosis?
Most people with salmonellosis will recover on their own or require only fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics and antidiarrheal drugs are generally not recommended.
Should an infected person be excluded from work or school?
Since Salmonella bacteria are in the stool (feces), only people with active diarrhea who are unable to control their bowel habits (e.g., infants, young children, certain handicapped individuals) should be isolated. Most infected people may return to work or school when their stools become formed as long as they carefully wash their hands after using the toilet. Food handlers, health care workers, and children in day care must obtain the approval of the Health Department before returning to their routine activities. This requires follow-up stool testing to be sure that they are no longer infectious.
How can salmonellosis be prevented?
Always treat raw poultry, beef, and pork as if they are potentially contaminated and handle accordingly: Wrap fresh meats in plastic bags at the market to prevent blood from dripping on other foods.
Refrigerate foods promptly; minimize holding at room temperature.
Cutting boards and counters used for preparation should be washed immediately after use to prevent cross contamination with other foods.
Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats.
Ensure that the correct internal cooking temperatures are reached, particularly when using a microwave.
Encourage careful hand washing after using the toilet or changing diapers, and before and after food preparation.
Avoid eating raw eggs or undercooking food containing raw eggs.
Avoid using raw milk.
Make sure children, particularly those who handle pets, wash their hands carefully.
** Note **
Please remember that the information presented in this forum is for your education only, and is not intended to extend medical advice or diagnosis. If you have questions or feel that you may be experiencing symptoms similar to those presented, please call the Berkeley County Health Department at (304) 263-5131 or your primary care provider for formal medical attention.
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Berkeley County Health Department