Food Borne Illness: Salmonella

Sabrina Pittman

March 20, 2014.

Food Borne Illness: Salmonella

Salmonellosis is the infection people get when they are infected with the bacteria Salmonella. A fun fact about Salmonellosis is where it got its name. The name derived from the scientist who discovered it whose name was Salmon. There are many different types of Salmonella bacteria. There are two of the bacteria that are most prominent. These bacteria are Salmonella serotype Typhimurium and Salmonella serotype Enteritidis.

When infected, the person develops diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps at least twelve to seventy-two hours after infection. The duration of the infection can take anywhere from four days to a week in order to subside. There are definitely some consequences of Salmonella. Even though the symptom of diarrhea may be gone, it can take months for bowel habits to regulate to normal. Infected people may also develop pain in their joints, eye irritation, and pain when urinating. These symptoms are called reactive arthritis. It can last for months or even years, unfortunately, it can also lead to chronic arthritis. Most people do not need to be treated for Salmonellosis but if diarrhea persists and becomes severe, IV fluids may have to be administered. If the bacteria travels from the intestines to the bloodstream, antibiotics (ampicillin) will be administered by a doctor.

The Salmonella bacteria can be transmitted through food like raw poultry, beef, unwashed fruit, and eggs. It can also be transmitted through cross contamination of surfaces. These surfaces may have previously came in contact with meat or meat products. A person may also come in contact with the bacteria that causes Salmonellosis from handling pets. Reptiles in particular, like, snakes, turtles, and lizards.

According to the NIAID, “In recent years, the Center for the Disease Control