Salmonella Research Paper
Food Borne Illness
Stacey Oliver
SCI/163
May 20, 2013
Roxann Ieraci, RN MSN CNRN CIN
Food Borne Illness
Salmonellosis is a type of food poisoning borne from the salmonella bacterium. There are many types of this bacterium; however, the most common in the United States is Typhimurium and Enteritidis. This illness is contracted by eating contaminated foods with salmonella. Many times the food items become contaminated through the process and handling, or the handler may be infected. Most often the contaminated foods are of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk, and eggs, but other types of foods such as vegetables can also be contaminated as well. The majority of the time, the contaminated food looks and smells normal, with no indication that it is contaminated.
Food and Safety News indentified a salmonella …show more content…
typhimurium outbreak in 2008-2009 that was number nine on the “10 Deadliest Breakouts in U.S. History” that was linked to peanut butter. This outbreak spanned 46 states, caused at least 714 illnesses, and 9 deaths. (Flynn, 2012)
Another way to contract salmonellosis is from feces of animals, especially those with diarrhea.
Therefore, many times people that come in contact with their pet’s feces and do not properly wash their hands afterwards, may develop a type of salmonellosis.
Salmonella live in the intestinal tracks of humans as well as some animals. Once infected with salmonella poisoning, the person will develop symptoms varying from diarrhea, fever, and or abdominal cramps which usually lasts for four to seven days. Although anyone can contract salmonellosis, children and the elderly are most susceptible to severe illness and likely hospitalization. It is estimated that around 400 people die each year from acute salmonellosis.
Salmonellosis can be diagnosed by laboratory testing of a stool sample. There is no vaccination or cure all medication and as with many illnesses, it must run its course. It is important to keep hydrated during this time period, as dehydration can be common because of frequent diarrhea. In severe cases, one may need to have fluids given intravenously and in some of those cases there may be an antibiotic given if infection has
spread.
The number one way to insure one does not contract this illness is to make sure all of the food is properly cooked. Do not eat raw or undercooked eggs. Be cognizant of certain foods that can contain raw eggs such as cookie dough, frostings and some salad dressings. Wash and peel all produce before consuming it, and avoid cross contamination of foods by keeping meats and produce separate and not using the same pans or cutting boards. In addition, it is very important to wash hands before and after preparing food, especially meat and poultry. By taking these necessary precautions, one has a much more likely chance of avoiding salmonellosis.
References
CDC. (2012, April 5). Salmonella. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/index.html
Flynn, D. (2012, April 4). The 10 Deadliest Outbreaks in U.S. History — Revisited. Retrieved from http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/04/the-ten-deadliest-outbreaks-in-history-revisited/#.UZlXg7WTjSg
WebMD. (2011, February 8). Salmonellosis. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/tc/salmonellosis-topic-overview
Stacey Oliver
SCI/163
May 20, 2013
Roxann Ieraci, RN MSN CNRN CIN
Food Borne Illness
Salmonellosis is a type of food poisoning borne from the salmonella bacterium. There are many types of this bacterium; however, the most common in the United States is Typhimurium and Enteritidis. This illness is contracted by eating contaminated foods with salmonella. Many times the food items become contaminated through the process and handling, or the handler may be infected. Most often the contaminated foods are of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk, and eggs, but other types of foods such as vegetables can also be contaminated as well. The majority of the time, the contaminated food looks and smells normal, with no indication that it is contaminated.
Food and Safety News indentified a salmonella …show more content…
typhimurium outbreak in 2008-2009 that was number nine on the “10 Deadliest Breakouts in U.S. History” that was linked to peanut butter. This outbreak spanned 46 states, caused at least 714 illnesses, and 9 deaths. (Flynn, 2012)
Another way to contract salmonellosis is from feces of animals, especially those with diarrhea.
Therefore, many times people that come in contact with their pet’s feces and do not properly wash their hands afterwards, may develop a type of salmonellosis.
Salmonella live in the intestinal tracks of humans as well as some animals. Once infected with salmonella poisoning, the person will develop symptoms varying from diarrhea, fever, and or abdominal cramps which usually lasts for four to seven days. Although anyone can contract salmonellosis, children and the elderly are most susceptible to severe illness and likely hospitalization. It is estimated that around 400 people die each year from acute salmonellosis.
Salmonellosis can be diagnosed by laboratory testing of a stool sample. There is no vaccination or cure all medication and as with many illnesses, it must run its course. It is important to keep hydrated during this time period, as dehydration can be common because of frequent diarrhea. In severe cases, one may need to have fluids given intravenously and in some of those cases there may be an antibiotic given if infection has
spread.
The number one way to insure one does not contract this illness is to make sure all of the food is properly cooked. Do not eat raw or undercooked eggs. Be cognizant of certain foods that can contain raw eggs such as cookie dough, frostings and some salad dressings. Wash and peel all produce before consuming it, and avoid cross contamination of foods by keeping meats and produce separate and not using the same pans or cutting boards. In addition, it is very important to wash hands before and after preparing food, especially meat and poultry. By taking these necessary precautions, one has a much more likely chance of avoiding salmonellosis.
References
CDC. (2012, April 5). Salmonella. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/index.html
Flynn, D. (2012, April 4). The 10 Deadliest Outbreaks in U.S. History — Revisited. Retrieved from http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/04/the-ten-deadliest-outbreaks-in-history-revisited/#.UZlXg7WTjSg
WebMD. (2011, February 8). Salmonellosis. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/tc/salmonellosis-topic-overview