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What is Salmonellosis?
Salmonellosis is a type of bacterial food poisoning caused by the Salmonella
bacterium. It results in the swelling of the lining of the stomach and
intestines.Salmonella food poisoning can occur when someone drinks unpasteurized
milk or eats undercooked chicken or eggs, or salad dressings or desserts which
contain raw eggs. Even if Salmonella-containing foods such as chicken are
thoroughly cooked, any food can become contaminated during preparation if
conditions and equipment for food preparation are unsanitary.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. They
develop 12 to 72 hours after infection, and the illness usually lasts 4 to 7
days. Most people recover without treatment. However, diarrhea and dehydration
may be so severe that it is necessary to go to the hospital. Older adults,
infants, and those with impaired immune systems are at highest risk.
How is it treated?
Even though Salmonellosis food poisoning is a bacterial infection, most
practitioners do not treat simple cases with antibiotics. Studies have shown
that using antibiotics does not usually reduce the length of time that the
patient is ill. In situations where an individual has a more severe type of
infection with Salmonella bacteria, a number of antibiotics may be used.
Chloramphenicol was the first antibiotic successfully used to treat Salmonella
food poisoning. Newer types of anibiotics, such as cephalosporin or
quinolone, are also effective.
To prevent dehydration, take frequent sips of a rehydration drink (such as
Lytren, Rehydralyte, or Pedialyte). Try to drink a cup of water or rehydration
drink for each large, loose stool you have. Sports drinks, soda pop, and fruit
juice contain too much sugar and not enough of the important electrolytes that
are lost during diarrhea and should only be taken alternately with a rehydration
drink.
How can I prevent Salmonellosis?
- Do not eat raw or undercooked eggs. Raw eggs may be used in some foods such
as homemade hollandaise sauce, Caesar and other salad dressings, tiramisu,
homemade ice cream, homemade mayonnaise, cookie dough, and frostings.
- Wash your hands before handling any food and between handling different food
items.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Cook meats, fish and
poultry thoroughly.
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