There’s a common misconception that salmonella is only a present danger in uncooked eggs or raw meat. Unfortunately, there is a variety of ways salmonella can spread to people, including unwashed fruits and vegetables. Luckily, salmonella has been studied vigorously and we know how to recognize salmonella symptoms, as well as how to prevent outbreaks.
Common Signs/ Symptoms
- Diarrhea
This is the most reported symptom of the common salmonella infection. This can include blood in the stool, as well.
- Fever
Since salmonella is an infection, a common side- effect will be a high fever as the body raises the internal body temperature to attempt to kill the bacteria.
- Stomach Cramps
If you notice severe stomach cramping 6 hours- 6 days after eating a known contaminated food, this may be a sign of salmonella infection.
- Nausea/ Vomiting
While this symptom is less common than the previous ones listed, it is still very possible to experience nausea or vomiting (possibly bloody) because of salmonella infection.
Prevention
Since salmonella can spread in a variety of ways and through many types of food, its important to stay vigilant about recent scares and outbreaks. Food is shipped from many parts of the country, and even from many parts of the world. Therefore, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly where your food came from. Nevertheless, these prevention techniques can keep you and your family generally safe from salmonella infections.
- Practice Food Safety
This is a broad tip, but there are basic guidelines you should always follow when handling and preparing food. Cook meat/ animal products to recommended safe temperatures. When serving, the FDA recommends keeping food at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer to prevent the growth of bacteria. Likewise, cold food should be kept at 40 degrees or lower. Always wash all produce thoroughly before eating.
- Wash Your Hands
These days, we all know how crucial proper hand washing is to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. The same goes for the spread of salmonella. Salmonella is communicable from live animals to people and from person to person, so wash your hands especially after contact with animals or using the restroom.
- Summertime Preparedness
Salmonella, unlike some other common diseases, is more common in the summertime. This is due to outdoor eating without proper food safety equipment. Even in the summertime, ensure you are practicing food safety.
This is general information about the symptoms of salmonella infection and how to prevent it. For more information, including outbreaks in your area, visit the CDC website.
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