Salmonella is a common bacterium that is found in the intestines of people, birds and animals. Salmonella poisoning occurs when people eat contaminated foods. Salmonella bacterium causes an infection and some of the symptoms are vomiting, cramps, fever, and diarrhea. The symptoms of the disease develop from 12 hours to 72 hours. The salmonella infection lasts from 4 days to 1 week as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotics are prescribed for the treatment of salmonella infection.

The US Department of Agriculture says that salmonella infection is one of the most prevalent food borne diseases. These small organisms can come into the body through different channels but commonly comes into the system when we eat food contaminated by animal feces. The food contaminated with the salmonella bacterium seems to be normal by appearance and smell. However, they can be infected and the typical kinds of food to carry the bacteria are meat products, eggs and milk. Feces get into fish products when they are being harvested and if the water is contaminated. In meat products 9it can get into the meat while butchering, says the Mayo Clinic.

Meats or any animal originated food have to be cooked thoroughly. Otherwise bacteria like salmonella can thrive in the meat and result in food poisoning. Fruits and vegetables also have to be washed thoroughly after consumption. Salmonella passes from one food type to the other. Raw juices and meat products which are stored, when they come in contact with salmonella infected food substances also causes food poisoning. Poor sanitary conditions and unhygienic ways of handling food products can also cause the proliferation of salmonella. It is important to follow hygiene while preparing food, like washing your hands is recommended, as per the CDC.

One can prevent salmonella infection by washing your hands thoroughly before eating, and also avoiding certain foods like raw salads and undercooked poultry products or meats. Raw eggs, salad dressing, and even homemade ice cream can be carriers of these bacteria. Contamination from one food products to another can be prevented by carefully washing the utensils before using them. After using the toilet, you should wash your hands with antibacterial soap. This avoids the feces from getting into food items. You should be careful about hygiene when you have pets around also. Salmonella infection can be prevented if detected on time or else it might cause grave infection and sometimes prove to be fatal also.

More Articles :

• Does Freezing Kill Salmonella ?
• How Salmonella Can Be Prevented ?
• How Salmonella Is Transmitted ?
• How To Treat Salmonella Poisoning ?