Salmonella Poisoning: Everything You Need to Know About Food Poisoning's Hand in Hand Companion

It's the talk on the medical news right now; Salmonella poisoning.
What is it? Do we really understand what this infection does to our bodies? How do you know when to visit a doctor to be evaluated?

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that is usually present in handling reptiles and birds, undercooked meats, such as poultry and fish, though it has been linked to such foods as raw vegetables, eggs, unclean water and most recently, tainted peanut butter.

Salmonella is usually transmitted by raw food, usually from an animal. It can be transmitted through improper cooking of raw meats, and cross contamination of raw vegetables touching surfaces that have the bacteria on it.

The onset of Salmonella poisoning occurs 12-72 hours after being introduced to the bacteria, and could last in the human body up to 7 days. The infection itself comes on quite suddenly, as a bloating sensation in the gastro-intestinal tract, followed by nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. The abdominal cramps usually start after the bacteria has been established for about 12-24 hours.

Other Symptoms of the infection could range from high fever and cold sweats to mucous in the bowels.

Most people will be able to recover in about a week without hospitalization, however the very old, the very young, and those with immune system problems (Cancer, HIV, AIDS) may have a difficult time getting over the bacteria without medical attention. Dehydration is a major concern with this illness because the body is going through bouts of diarrhea, and improper replenishment of fluids may complicate the bacteria's symptoms, thus placing a normally healthy person in the hospital for a few days.

When to see a doctor:

1. If any of the symptoms becomes severe (making more than 2 trips to the bathroom in an hour).

2. If fever cannot be controlled or goes above 103 degrees Fahrenheit in healthy adults, 101 in seniors, 100 in infants newborn to 1 year, and 101.5 in children 1 year to 12 yrs.

3. If dehydration is eminent. Signs of dehydration is pale dry skin,sunken eye sockets,and dry lips and unable to produce tears in the eye.

So, what can we do to prevent this illness?

1. Always cook your foods as directed on the package.

2. Fully cooked DOES NOT always mean fully decontaminated! If it says fully cooked, be sure to cook those foods for at least 30 minutes on 350 degree heat to kill any bacteria present.

3. Wash your hands after handling ANY raw meats with soap and water for one minute OR after handling reptiles and birds.

4. Always cook meats till juices run clear, and fish is opaque and flakes with a fork.

5. Spray surfaces raw meats touch with a disinfectant that is known to kill Salmonella bacteria.

6. Always wash ALL fresh fruits and vegetables with soap and water before consuming.

There are usually no long term effects of Salmonella poisoning, although bowel habits may take weeks to become normal again, however, in a very small percentage of the cases that are true Salmonella infections, some go on to develop what is known as Reiter's syndrome.

Reiter's Syndrome symptoms consist of arthritis like pain in the joints, pain upon urination, and pain in the eyes. This complications could last for months, and possibly years, and could even go on to develop into actual arthritis.

With careful food preparation, and safe handling of animals, we can help curb the development of Salmonella in our own homes, and ensure that we stay healthy from a bacteria that likes to hit below the belt.