Salmonellosis
Salmonella is a kind of bacteria that usually lives in the intestinal tract of many animals. This bacterial species has potential affects on both animals and human beings.
Salmonella bacterial species are mostly associated with the following animals, which include –
- Poultry (chicks, chickens, ducklings, ducks, geese, and turkeys)
- Other birds (wild birds)
- Reptiles (turtles, lizards and snakes)
- Amphibians (frogs and toads)
- Rodents (mice, rats, hamsters and guinea pigs)
- Other small mammals (hedgehogs)
- Farm animals (goats, calves, cows, sheep and pigs)
How Salmonellosis occur?
You can get a Salmonella infection from different food sources which includes pork, eggs, chicken nuggets, turkey, beef and also processed foods such as frozen pot pies, stuffed chicken entrees, mushroom, onions, peaches, raw tuna, cut fruits, tahini and many more.
An important aspect to be noted is that Food alone is not the source of Salmonella spread to people. The bacteria can also spread through contaminated water, the environment, other people and animals.
For whom does it affect the most?
Certain people are more likely to get a serious Salmonella infection. These people include children who are younger than 5, adults who are 65 and older, and people whose immune systems are weakened from certain medical conditions (such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and cancer) or their treatments.
Health effects of Salmonellosis:
Salmonellosis can lead to severe symptoms if untreated. Usually, symptoms will start 6 hours to 6 days after getting infected.
Common symptoms include –
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stools
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Prolonged vomitings
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth and throat
Without the necessity of antibiotic treatment, most people will be recovered within 4 to 7 days. But people suffering with severe diarrhea need to consult a doctor and take antibiotic treatment accordingly.
