Salmonella is Sneaky: Watch Out

Overview

• Salmonella is a bacteria causing food-borne illness known as salmonellosis.
• Annually sickens an estimated 1.35 million people in the US.
• A leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths related to food poisoning.

Unique Characteristics

• Sneaky nature: Can infect through unusual ways and cause complications.
• Example: A patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm linked to Salmonella infection.

Sources of Infection

• Commonly found in raw or undercooked foods such as:
  • Breaded raw chicken products (e.g., nuggets, chicken Kiev).
  • Organic basil, cantaloupes, ground beef, nut butters, raw cookie dough, eggs.
  • Raw or unpasteurized milk, flour.
• Backyard poultry, small pets (e.g., turtles, frogs), and dog food.
• Can spread through contaminated hands or clothes without causing illness to the carrier.

Symptoms

• Typical symptoms include gastroenteritis: upset stomach, abdominal cramps, diarrhea.
• Symptoms can appear 6 hours after infection and resolve in 2-3 days.
• Mild cases are often unnoticed, but severe cases involve:
  • Severe abdominal cramping, bloody diarrhea.
  • Unexplained high fever, marked fatigue.

Treatment

• Most recover without medication by replacing lost fluids.
• Consult a doctor if:
  • Fever over 102°F with diarrhea.
  • Diarrhea persists for over three days.
  • Bloody stools, or severe vomiting.
• Antibiotics may prolong shedding of bacteria, potentially spreading it to others.

Complications

• Certain groups are more vulnerable to severe infection:
  • Adults 65+, pregnant women, children under 5, immunocompromised individuals.
• Infection can spread to the urinary tract, bones, joints, CNS.
• Rare complications include blood vessel issues in those with atherosclerosis.

Prevention

• Washing cutting boards and utensils with hot water and soap.
• Refrigerate/freeze perishables within two hours.
• Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and after contact with animals.
• Take special care to protect vulnerable populations:
  • Keep children away from high-risk animals.
  • Thorough washing and cooking of foods for older adults/those with weakened immune systems.
  • Avoid reptiles/amphibians as pets for transplant recipients.

Conclusion

• Awareness and preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of salmonella infection.
• It is important to maintain food safety practices and personal hygiene, especially for vulnerable individuals.