| Salmonellosis Bacteria - Salmonella enteritidis Symptoms - Fever, chills, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, dehydration, vomiting, headache. For individuals already in poor health or who have compromised immune systems, Salmonellosis can enter the blood stream and become life-threatening. The very young and the elderly also are at higher risk for developing severe illness. Unless treated promptly, severe illness can be fatal. Sources - Salmonella live in the intestinal tracts of humans and other mammals, as well as birds and reptiles. Foods commonly contaminated with Salmonella are eggs, milk, beef and poultry. It is important however, to understand that virtually any food including vegetables and ready to eat foods can also be contaminated with Salmonella if handled by an ill food worker who fails to follow proper handwashing procedures, especially after using the bathroom. Incubation Period - Generally, symptoms begin developing 5-72 hours after becoming infected. On average, symptoms begin around 12-36 hours after exposure. Duration of Illness - Salmonellosis usually lasts for several days to a week. Severe diarrhea may require hospitalization. Treatment - In most cases treatment will not be necessary and the illness can be allowed to run its course. In some cases where the infection spreads from the intestines, antobiotics are prescribed. In cases where there is severe dehydration occurs, rehydration is often required through intravenous fluids. Prevention - People should not eat raw or undercooked eggs, meat, or poultry. Raw foods should be kept away from already cooked or ready to eat foods, and knives, cutting boards, other utensils, and people's hands should be thoroughly washed after preparing raw foods. Food Workers who are infected with salmonellosis must not be permitted to prepare food to the public, and must not be allowed to prepare food to the public until it is confirmed through tests that the food worker is no loner carrying the bacteria. For more information on Salmonellosis, Click Here Return to Food Home page Return to Environmental Health Home page Return to Stratford Health Dept Home page |