Communicable Disease Control : Food Borne Disease Salmonellosis Salmonellosis,…

Communicable Disease Control : Food Borne Disease

Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis, or salmonella, is an infection caused by Salmonella bacteria. Salmonella infections are increasing in the world. Many types of this bacteria cause disease in animals and people. While the occurrence of different types of Salmonella varies from country to country, Salmonella typhimurium and S. enteritidis are the two most commonly found.

Salmonellosis may occur in small, contained outbreaks in the general population or in large outbreaks in hospitals, restaurants, or institutions for children or the elderly. Symptoms are most severe in the elderly, infants, and people with chronic conditions. People with AIDS are particularly vulnerable Salmonellosis-often suffering from recurring episodes.

How is food borne Salmonella transmitted?

Salmonella bacteria can be found in food products such as raw poultry, eggs, and beef, and sometimes on unwashed fruit. Food prepared on surfaces that previously contained raw meat or meat products can, in turn, become contaminated with the bacteria. This is called cross-contamination.
Several cases of salmonellosis from eating raw alfalfa sprouts grown in contaminated soil have been known to occur.

Salmonella infection frequently occurs after handling pets, particularly reptiles like snakes, turtles, and lizards.
Salmonellosis can become a chronic infection in some people who may not have symptoms. Though they may have no symptoms, they can spread the disease by not washing their hands before preparing food for others. In fact, health care experts recommend that people who know they have salmonellosis not prepare food or pour water for others until a laboratory tests show they no longer carry Salmonella.

What are the symptoms of salmonellosis?

Diarrhoea
Fever
Abdominal cramps
Headache

In most people, symptoms begin from 12 hours to 3 days after being infected. These symptoms, along with possible nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting, usually last for 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can be severe and require hospitalization.

How is it diagnosed?

A health care provider can use laboratory tests to identify Salmonella in the stool of an infected person.

How is salmonellosis treated?

Most cases of salmonellosis clear up within 5 to 7 days and don't require treatment. People with severe diarrhoea may need intravenous fluids. If the infection spreads from the intestines into the bloodstream, health care providers can treat it with antibiotics such as ampicillin.

Can salmonellosis cause other health problems?

While most people recover successfully from salmonellosis, a few may develop a chronic condition called Reiter's syndrome. This syndrome can last for months or years and can lead to arthritis. Its symptoms are Painful joints, Irritated eyes, Painful urination.

Unless treated properly, Salmonella can escape from the intestine and spread by blood to other organs, sometimes leading to death.

Typhoid fever, a more serious disease, results from infection with S. typhi. This disease, which can be fatal if untreated, is common in South Africa. It is frequently found in developing countries, usually in contaminated water. It's also a risk in areas where flooding or earthquakes cause sewer systems to overflow.

Appropriate antibiotics are usually effective for treating typhoid fever; although the incidence of antibiotic-resistant S. typhi is increasing in some parts of the world.

Ways to prevent food borne salmonellosis.

Drink only pasteurized milk.
Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly.
Don't eat foods containing raw eggs, such as homemade Caesar salad dressing, cookie dough, and hollandaise sauce or drink homemade eggnog made with raw eggs.
Handle raw eggs carefully.
Keep eggs refrigerated
Throw away cracked or dirty eggs.
Cook eggs thoroughly.
Cook poultry products to an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit for breast meat and 180 degrees Fahrenheit for thigh meat.
Wash all food preparation surfaces and utensils that have come in contact with raw poultry or raw eggs with soap and hot water.
Wash hands immediately after handling raw poultry or raw eggs.
Wash hands immediately after handling reptiles or contact with pet faeces.

Source: KZN Department of Health. http://www.kznhealth.gov.za/cdc/salmonellosis.htm

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