The most common causes of salmonella poisoning in the US are Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella enteritidis. These are bacteria that cause around 40,000 cases of salmonella poisoning each year in the country. (See Reference 1) However, health experts believe that the number is higher as many milder forms are generally not reported or even diagnosed by doctors as patients believe that they are suffering from stomach flu.

Salmonella is more prevalent in the warm summer months compared to winter months. And, kids, seniors and people with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to salmonella. (See Reference 1)

Causes of Salmonella
While salmonella is caused by the Salmonella bacteria, of which more than 2,000 types have been identified, a person generally gets the infection by consuming food or water that has been contaminated by the bacteria. (See Reference 1) The contamination of food or water can occur in the following manner:

• Food can get contaminated by the bacteria while it is being handled or processed.
• Contamination of food can also occur when an infected person handles food without washing hands. Usually, it has been seen that one of the common causes of contamination is when the infected person does not wash his or her hands using soap after going to the bathroom.
• There are some pets, like hamsters, ducklings and chicks, that are natural carriers of salmonella and the bacteria can be present in their feces. After cleaning the coop or the cage, hands must be washed with soap to prevent contamination through the oral-fecal route. Kids must be taught to wash hands after handling or touching these pets.
• Exotic reptiles like iguana and turtles have the bacteria naturally present on their skin. Hence, after touching or handling them, a person should immediately wash their hands with soap and water.
• Poultry, beef, eggs and milk can also get contaminated by the bacteria and hence, they must be cooked thorough before consumption.
• Nowadays, even vegetables such as tomatoes, parsley and cilantro have been found with salmonella and hence, they should first be washed thoroughly under cleaning running water and then cooked.

Effects of Salmonella Poisoning
When a person gets salmonella from any one of the above mentioned sources, the infection will take around 12 hours to 72 hours to develop. (See Reference 1) Once the infection sets in, the person will experience cramps in the stomach, diarrhea and fever. (See Reference 1) Salmonella infection usually takes around 4 days to 7 days to get okay.

Treatment
Generally, no treatment is required when a person gets salmonella infection. However, if the diarrhea is severe, it can result in dehydration, which can be life-threatening, especially to younger kids, seniors and people with compromised immune systems. Hence, adequate intake of fluids should be ensured.

If a person is suffering from salmonella, it is advisable to give the person rehydration drinks, like Pedialyte or Rehydralyte. (See Reference 1) For every bout of diarrhea, the person should be given one cup of the rehydration drink. Alternatively, the person can also be given sports drinks, like Gatorade or Powerade. Sodas and fruit juices should be avoided, as they are high in sugar and do not provide the necessary electrolytes that get lost during the diarrhea bouts. (See Reference 1) Usually, it is recommended that the person continue with normal diet as it will help him or her get the necessary nutrients and help in hastening the healing process. (See Reference 1) However, the person should avoid consumption of coffee, alcohol, and spicy food for at least 2 days after the symptoms of salmonella disappear. (See Reference 1)

Generally, the infection goes away on its own without causing any serious complications. However, a small number of people can end up with Reiter's syndrome, which can last for months together and result in chronic arthritis. (See Reference 1)

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