Salmonella is bacteria that may cause an infection in your gut known as salmonellosis. It is a genus of rod-shaped gram-negative bacteria. There are two common species of Salmonella, Salmonella bongori and Salmonella enterica. Salmonella enterica has two common sub-strains, Enteritidis and Typhi which are contracted by animals and humans respectively. People who get infected with salmonella are sick for five to seven days. If not treated properly and immediately, the person may become hospitalized. Death is rare to those who are healthy. The young, the old and the ill may be at higher risk. “Salmonella” was named after Daniel Elmer Salmon, a veterinary pathologist who managed The U.S. Department of Agriculture microorganism program in the 1800's.
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Food can also be contaminated when the handler’s hands are not properly washed after using the restroom or dealing with animal feces. Wild rodents, reptiles, and baby birds have a high chance of carrying Salmonella. If someone is dealing with these animals, they should properly sanitize their hands. Food such as eggs, beef, milk, and poultry can have Salmonella. The foods that are contaminated will look no different than the food that are not contaminated. Salmonella germs are resilient in the environment. Salmonella can last 5-6 months in dirty water and feces. Salmonella reproduce at room temperatures in damp environments. Infection occurs when a person eats contaminated food or drinks infected water. The Salmonella invades the intestinal wall, where inflammation begins. The Salmonella also starts producing irritating intestinal toxins. In a few cases, the Salmonella may enter the bloodstream and stay in tissues/organs away from the gut. Once someone has been infected with the Salmonella bacteria, it takes about 8 to 48 hours for symptoms to begin. Some Symptoms of Salmonella include: chills, muscle aches, fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Young children will typically have a severe reaction to food contaminated with Salmonella. Children under 5 years of age have a higher chance of having the bacteria spread into their bloodstream and cause severe problems. Infants who are not breastfed may be at higher risk of a Salmonella
Food can also be contaminated when the handler’s hands are not properly washed after using the restroom or dealing with animal feces. Wild rodents, reptiles, and baby birds have a high chance of carrying Salmonella. If someone is dealing with these animals, they should properly sanitize their hands. Food such as eggs, beef, milk, and poultry can have Salmonella. The foods that are contaminated will look no different than the food that are not contaminated. Salmonella germs are resilient in the environment. Salmonella can last 5-6 months in dirty water and feces. Salmonella reproduce at room temperatures in damp environments. Infection occurs when a person eats contaminated food or drinks infected water. The Salmonella invades the intestinal wall, where inflammation begins. The Salmonella also starts producing irritating intestinal toxins. In a few cases, the Salmonella may enter the bloodstream and stay in tissues/organs away from the gut. Once someone has been infected with the Salmonella bacteria, it takes about 8 to 48 hours for symptoms to begin. Some Symptoms of Salmonella include: chills, muscle aches, fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Young children will typically have a severe reaction to food contaminated with Salmonella. Children under 5 years of age have a higher chance of having the bacteria spread into their bloodstream and cause severe problems. Infants who are not breastfed may be at higher risk of a Salmonella