You may have heard about recently recalled cucumbers due to salmonella contamination. These cucumbers were sold in 32 states in the US as well as in Canada. There have been several recent salmonella outbreaks in the US, including another linked to cucumbers earlier this year, as well as outbreaks linked to backyard poultry, basil, and pet bearded dragons. I thought this might be a good time to talk more about Salmonella and the illness that it causes.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacteria that lives in the intestines of people, animals, and birds. Salmonella causes an infection which affects the intestinal tract. When people become infected with Salmonella, it is usually through contaminated food or drink.How common is Salmonella infection?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella infection causes approximately 1.35 million illnesses in the US every year. Of those infected, over 26,000 are hospitalized and over 400 people die from the infection every year.
How is Salmonella spread?
Salmonella can enter the chain of food production when the process is not sanitary, causing contamination with feces. Here are some of the ways Salmonella is spread:
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If contaminated water is used to irrigate crops.
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When food is prepared by people who don’t wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet, changing a diaper, or after handling contaminated foods. This can happen in the chain of food production, a restaurant, or even in your own home.
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When a person touches something that is contaminated then puts their fingers in their mouth.
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Touching certain pets without washing your hands thoroughly afterward. Animals and pets can carry Salmonella on their feathers, skin, or fur (particularly birds and reptiles).
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Pet foods may be contaminated with Salmonella, causing infection in your pet, which can then be transmitted to you.
What are the most common foods that can be contaminated and spread infection?
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Raw meat, poultry, and seafood
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Raw or undercooked eggs
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Unpasteurized dairy products – such as “raw” milk
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Fresh produce – uncooked fruits and vegetables
What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection?
Some people with Salmonella infection have no symptoms, but they can still transmit it to others. Most people will develop symptoms within 6 to 72 hours after exposure, although sometimes it is as long as 6 days after. These symptoms can include:
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Diarrhea –Can sometimes lead to severe dehydration, which needs prompt medical care.
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Abdominal cramping
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Fever and/or chills
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Nausea and/or vomiting
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Headaches or body aches
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Blood in the stool or urine
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Lethargy
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Life-threatening complications may also develop, particularly if the infection spreads beyond the intestines.
What are the risk factors for contracting Salmonella infection?
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International travel – Particularly travel to countries with poor sanitation
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Owning, handling, or petting animals – Particularly birds or reptiles
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Health problems that weaken your immune system
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Having certain stomach or bowel disorders
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Being on medications that decrease stomach acid or recent treatment with antibiotics
How can you prevent Salmonella infection?
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Be aware of food safety recalls.
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Wash your hands thoroughly after being exposed to any possible contamination.
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Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood away from other foods in your refrigerator and use a separate cutting board for raw meats of any kind.
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Avoid eating raw meat, dairy, or egg products.
For more information about the most recent Salmonella outbreak and recall, use this link:
If you have any questions about salmonella infection, please log into your account and send us your question. We are here to help.
Dr. Anita Bennett MD – Health Tip Content Editor