Salmonella are bacteria that live in the intestines of birds and animals, especially poultry and pigs. Many different kinds of salmonella bacteria exist, but the most common types in the United States are Salmonella serotype Typhimurium and Salmonella serotype Enteritidis. Salmonellosis is an infection caused by the bacteria salmonella, which are spread through contaminated food.

How Common is Salmonellosis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported every year. The actual number is thought to be much higher (as high as 1,400,000, in fact), since most mild cases are neither diagnosed nor reported. About one-third of reported cases involve children under the age of four. People with weakened immune systems, young children, and the elderly are more likely to experience severe infections. Salmonella infections are more common in the summer and fall, when the growth of microorganisms in foods is more favorable.

How do People Get Infected with Salmonella?

Salmonella bacteria are often found in the eggs, poultry, and meat. Cooking in high enough temperatures will kill the bacteria. If proper cooking procedures are not followed, the bacteria survive and infection can occur. Salmonellosis can also spread from person-to-person, and both people and animals can be carriers. When food handlers in restaurants do not follow proper hand washing procedures after using the bathroom or handling raw foods, contamination can occur. Salmonella can grow on just about any food, but most infections have been traced to dairy, poultry and meat products, especially chickens and eggs. Vegetables and fruits that grow close to the ground are also susceptible because of possible contact with manure or infected water. Improper cooking temperate and improper cleaning are often to blame during an outbreak. Unhygienic work space in the kitchen can expose you to infection. Those infected with salmonella should never prepare food for others. Pets can also be a source of salmonella. When cleaning up after your pet, wash your hands properly, also after touching pet toys and playing with pet. Reptiles are particular sources of salmonella, even if the reptile is healthy. Adults and children need to be sure to follow proper hand washing procedures when handling them.

What are the Symptoms of Salmonellosis Infection?

Like other food-borne illnesses, the symptoms of salmonellosis are similar to the flu. Symptoms usually appear anywhere from hours to within three days of contamination, and last for four to seven days. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, which is sometimes bloody.

How are Salmonella Infections Diagnosed? Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps can be symptoms of many different kinds of illnesses, not just salmonellosis. Most physicians take a stool sample to make an accurate diagnosis. You might have to request this test since it is not routinely done.

How is Salmonellosis Treated?

Most people recover without any treatment, but since infection often involves vomiting and diarrhea, infected people need to replace the lost body fluids by drinking plenty of liquids. Very young children and the elderly should be closely monitored for dehydration. If the infection is severe enough, intravenous fluids and antibiotics may be needed.

Who is at the Greatest Risk?

• Infants
• Young children
• People taking cancer-fighting drugs
• Elderly
• People with weakened immune systems
• People with sickle-cell disease

Are There Long Term Consequences to a Salmonella Infection?

In some cases, yes. Salmonella can spread to the blood stream and other parts of the body. When this occurs, severe illness follows, and, possibly, death. In such cases, the patient is promptly treated with antibiotics. In some people, it takes several months for bowels to completely recover from diarrhea, which is one of the main consequences of a salmonella infection, and return to normal. Too, a small percentage of those infected with salmonella develop joint pain, eye irritation, and pain on urination. This is called Reiter's Syndrome, a type of reactive arthritis that can last for months, or even years.

How Can I Minimize My Risk?

• Never eat raw or undercooked eggs, meat, or poultry, since most salmonella bacteria can be killed by the heat from cooking. Always cook food to proper temperatures. Use a food thermometer to make sure food is thoroughly cooked.
• Always buy uncracked, clean eggs, making sure to store them in the carton at the back of the refrigerator to keep them cold. Check best before dates.
• Keep uncooked meats away from vegetables, fruits, and cooked and ready-to-eat foods, to avoid cross-contamination.
• Thoroughly wash knives, dishes, counters, cutting boards, and your hands after handling uncooked foods, such as chicken.
• Never drink unpasteurized fruit juices and milk, or cheeses made from raw milk.
• Since fecal matter is most often the source for salmonella infection, make sure you thoroughly wash your hands before preparing food.
• Remember, raw eggs are used in some frostings, homemade ice cream, eggnog, mousse, homemade mayonnaise, salad dressings, and in tiramisu, an Italian dessert.
• Don’t let your kids taste test the cookie dough.
• Family pets can be a source of infection, especially reptiles. Always wash your hands after handling an animal or bird, and immediately after changing kitty litter. If you have young children, even healthy reptiles should not be kept.
• Make sure that children wash their hands before leaving the bathroom and before touching food.
• Promptly refrigerate your food after grocery shopping because bacteria grow very quickly at room temperature.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Sprouts, tomatoes, and cantaloupe, which are regularly infected with salmonella bacteria, need extra care.
• Keep your kitchen clean with hot soapy water and a sanitizer.
• Never handle food or water for anyone when you have salmonellosis.

Salmonella in the News

1. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, numerous outbreaks of salmonellosis are associated with tomatoes.
2. In the summer of 2004, salmonella bacteria found in Roma tomatoes caused at least 561 people in eighteen states and Canada to fall ill.
3. In 2005, Orchid Island Juice Co. of Fort Pierce, Florida, recalled unpasteurized orange juice after at least fifteen people fell ill in sixteen states.
4. In June 2006, Cadbury recalled one million chocolate bars after a salmonella outbreak.
5. In November 2006, a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium was linked to tomatoes consumed at restaurants in twenty-one states, with 183 cases reported.
6. In February 2007, Peter Pan peanut butter was pulled from shelves in a voluntary recall due to salmonella infection.

Should I File a Lawsuit If I Come Down With Salmonella?

If there is serious illness or death, the short answer is yes. See our article on food poisoning lawsuits.