All About Salmonella

Symptoms

The symptoms of Salmonella usually start 6 hours to 6 days after getting infected. Some of the common signs and symptoms of the infection include:

• Fever and chills

• Headache

• Diarrhoea

• Nausea or vomiting

• Stomach aches and cramps

• Blood in the stools

The infected person can have some or all of the above symptoms.

Causes

Salmonella bacteria thrive in the intestines of humans, birds, and animals. Some common ways a person can get infected with Salmonella are listed below.

• Raw or uncooked poultry, meat, and seafood:

Contamination can happen during the processing or butchering of meat. If seafood is harvested in contaminated water, it can get infected with Salmonella. Consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, or seafood can increase your risk of Salmonella.

• Raw or undercooked eggs:

If the eggs are from a bird which has Salmonella, having them half-boiled or raw will increase the risk of infection. Raw eggs are used to make mayonnaise and some other sauces.

• Milk that has not been pasteurised:

Pasteurisation kills harmful bacteria, including Salmonella. Consuming unpasteurised milk and milk products can increase the risk of this bacterial infection.

• Fruits and vegetables :

Fruits and vegetables can get contaminated if not washed properly before consumption or if the plants are watered with contaminated water. Contamination can also happen if fruits and vegetables are washed with contaminated water during processing.

• Infected surfaces :

If you touch an infected surface or object and eat without washing your hands, it can lead to infection.

• Infected pets and animals :

Salmonella bacteria can stay on the fur, skin, feathers, or faeces of animals and birds. When they come in contact with any household surfaces, there’s a high risk of contamination, and anybody touching these contaminated surfaces will get infected with Salmonella.

• Lack of hygiene in preparing food :

While preparing food, if you don’t wash your hands properly after using the washroom or changing a baby’s diapers, the food can get contaminated. The bacteria can easily transmit to others when you touch them or objects and surfaces.

Risk Factors

The risk of getting Salmonella infection increases if:

• You have a weak immune system due to chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, medications, or other illnesses

• You have sickle cell anaemia

• You are under the age of 5 or over 65 years

• You are on antacids or recently completed a course of antibiotics

• You have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• You handle animals or pets, particularly birds and reptiles

Diagnosis

If you experience any or all of the signs and symptoms of Salmonella, your healthcare provider will ask you to undergo blood and stool tests to confirm the presence of the bacteria. The doctor will also ask about your underlying health issues, whether you have come in contact with infected pets, and your recent travel history.

Treatment

Most people get better within 4-7 days without any treatment. They are advised to take plenty of fluids and adequate rest. If you have severe diarrhoea and dehydration, you may need to get hospitalised for intravenous (IV) fluids. If the symptoms don’t improve or the infection has spread to your bloodstream, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Prevention

Here are some tips to prevent Salmonella:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food or eating. You must wash your hands after changing a baby’s diapers, using the washroom, petting animals and birds, gardening, or touching faeces.

2. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.

3. Wash all utensils, chopping boards, knives, and countertops after handling raw or uncooked foods.

4. To avoid cross-contamination, store raw and cooked foods separately in the refrigerator.

5. If possible, have separate chopping boards — one for raw meat and another for fruits and vegetables.

6. Do not consume raw or undercooked eggs. If any egg has cracked, discard it immediately.

7. Do not consume unpasteurised milk or any products made with unpasteurised milk.

8. Ensure all meats, poultry, seafood, and eggs are well-cooked.

9. Keep the kitchen and cooking utensils clean.

10. Wash utensils and food preparation surfaces before and after use.