Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is a common cause of foodborne illnesses around the world, and it can be found in a variety of different foods.
Salmonella can affect anyone, but young children, elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.
Symptoms of Salmonella
The symptoms of salmonella typically start within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. They can last for up to a week and may include:.
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In some cases, the symptoms can be severe and lead to dehydration, hospitalization, or even death. Make sure to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:.
- Blood in your stool
- High fever (above 102°F)
- Persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down
- Prolonged diarrhea that lasts more than three days
How Salmonella Spreads
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can be found in a variety of different foods, including:.
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- Poultry
- Beef
- Pork
- Eggs
- Milk and dairy products
- Fruit and vegetables
It can also be spread from person to person if someone has the bacteria on their hands and touches someone else or something that someone else touches. Pets can also carry salmonella, so make sure to wash your hands after handling pets or their food.
Preventing Salmonella
There are several steps you can take to prevent salmonella:.
- Cook food thoroughly.
- Use a food thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to the appropriate temperature.
- Separate raw meat from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before cooking or eating.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, or meat.
- Refrigerate food promptly and properly.
- Do not drink raw or unpasteurized milk or dairy products.
- Avoid handling pets or their food if you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that come into contact with raw meat or poultry, such as cutting boards and countertops.
Conclusion
Salmonella is a common cause of foodborne illness, but there are steps you can take to prevent it. Make sure to cook food thoroughly, wash your hands frequently, separate raw meat from ready-to-eat foods, and refrigerate food promptly.
By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself and your family from salmonella and other types of food poisoning.
