Salmonella Cases On the Rise

Jeff Rasansky

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 520

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Salmonella poisoning is a common form of bacteria infection that occurs most often as a form of food poisoning. Salmonella live in the intestines of humans and other animals and are usually transmitted through contact with contaminated foods or animals. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. The infection usually runs a course of about 4 to 7 days and most people tend to recover without treatment.

In some cases, however, Salmonella poisoning can be so severe that the patient may require hospitalization. The infection can even spread to the blood stream and cause death. The elderly, infants and those with immune deficiencies are the most at-risk for severe illness as a result of Salmonella poisoning.

Currently, there isn’t a vaccine to prevent Salmonella poisoning. Because foods of animal origin can be contaminated with the bacteria, people should not eat raw or undercooked eggs, poultry or meat. It is also important that you wash your hands after contact with animals, reptiles in particular. Reptiles and chicks/ducklings can carry the bacteria so it is not advisable to have such pets in the same home as small children.

Recently, an outbreak of Salmonella occurred in New Mexico, leaving 31 people sick. An investigation has proven that undercooked tomatoes were the culprits.