Salmonellosis is a disease that affects men and animals and is caused by microorganisms of the genus Salmonella . These are rod-shaped gram-negative rods that can cause salmonellosis, which we could summarize as a diarrheal disease in humans.
There are more than 2,300 subtypes of the Salmonella enterica bacteria, including serovar enterititis, Salmonella Agbeni and typhimurium, but only 12 make us sick, usually with gastroenteritis. The bacteria live in the intestines of infected humans and animals. Some animal and human strains can make humans sick.
Symptoms
– stomach cramps
– bloody stools
– cold
– diarrhea
– fever
– headache
– muscle pains
– nausea
– vomiting
– dizziness
Some people experience joint pain, known as reactive arthritis. It can last for months or years, and it can turn into chronic arthritis.
Causes
Salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of birds, animals, and humans. Most human infections are caused by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated by feces.
Foods prone to salmonellosis
Raw meat, shellfish, and poultry – Contamination occurs most frequently during the slaughter process. Harvesting shellfish in polluted waters is a common cause, too.
Raw eggs: The eggs of an infected chicken can contain bacteria. Raw eggs are found in some types of mayonnaise and homemade sauces.
Fruits and vegetables: can be contaminated if they have been watered or washed with contaminated water. Fruits and vegetables can become contaminated if a person handles raw meat and then touches the fruit without washing their hands.
Other causes include:
Lack of hygiene: includes kitchen surfaces that are not kept clean and not washing hands during food preparation, after using the bathroom, or after changing a baby’s diapers. A person with contaminated hands can spread the infection to others by touching them or touching surfaces that others subsequently touch.
Keep reptiles or amphibians as pets: Most reptiles and amphibians carry Salmonella in their intestines without getting sick. They shed the bacteria in their droppings. These can spread quickly on the skin and then onto anything they come in contact with, including cages, toys, clothing, furniture, and household surfaces. Reptiles should not be kept indoors if there are children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, elderly people, or people with weakened immune systems.
Risk factor’s
Children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk due to, for example, HIV or AIDS, cancer or cancer treatment, and some other conditions. Young children should not be allowed to handle reptiles or chicks and young birds.
During pregnancy , complications from salmonellosis include dehydration and bacteremia, or bacteria in the blood. This can lead to meningitis. Salmonella can also pass to the fetus. The baby may have diarrhea and fever after birth and risk of developing meningitis.
Salmonella infection is more common in summer than winter.
Prevention
Good hygiene is key to preventing salmonella infection.
Advice
Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer. Especially important: before preparing or eating food, after using the bathroom, after changing a baby’s diapers, after handling pets and other animals, and after gardening.
