Salmonella Food poisoning

Salmonella infection causing food poisoning is very common especially in developing countries. It is caused by a bacteria and infects humans when animal faeces contaminates the food or water through pets or through other means.

The common causes of food poisoning is through:

  1. Undercooked chicken, eggs or other poultry and beef
  2. Unwashed fruits, vegetables or nuts
  3. Unpasteurized milk
  4. Handling food with unclean hands
  5. Eating food with unwashed hands
  6. Drinking water contaminated with sewage water

Infection sets in 8 hours to 3 days in Salmonellosis.

Symptoms of Food poisoning are:

  1. Abdominal pain and cramps
  2. Diarrhea at times bloody diarrhea
  3. Fever
  4. Nausea and vomiting
  5. Dehydration in children
  6. Central Nervous System involvement in children

Diagnosing the cause for a specific line of treatment is essential as food poisoning is also caused by viruses and other bacteria.

Salmonella Food poisoning

Medical help is vital in children below 2 years and elderly above 60 years and in those with immune compromised state.

Tests required:

  1. Complete blood picture
  2. Stool culture and sensitivity
  3. S. Electrolytes
  4. S. Creatinine
  5. Complete Urine Examination

Extra intestinal seeding with the infecting bacteria in the heart, gall bladder, spleen, urinary tract and in children the central nervous system are very serious medical problems. An infected person may become a carrier of the bacteria for a long period of time and are a potential source of infection to others.

Children in day care centers, aged in the nursing homes, and people in dormitories are at a higher risk of getting infected. Children below 2 years with central nervous system involvement are a very serious medical problem.

Health Tips:

  1. Washing hands with soap and water before eating
  2. Handling food and water with hands washed with soap water
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