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Foodborne Illness

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* What is the infectious agent (pathogen) that causes this infectious disease? For example, the name of the bacteria, virus, or parasite, the type of pathogen, and any other pertinent information on the pathogen.

Salmonellosis is an infection with the bacteria called Salmonella. There are many different kinds of Salmonella bacteria. Salmonella serotype Typhimurium and Salmonella serotype Enteritidis are the most common cases in the United States.

* How is this infectious agent transmitted through food or water?

Most types of Salmonella live in the intestinal tract of animals and birds and are transmitted to humans when feces from animals directly or indirectly contaminate foods that humans eat. Before the 1970’s Salmonella in feces on egg shells would contaminate the egg through cracks in the shell. In the 1970’s stringent procedures for cleaning and inspecting eggs were established. Now Salmonella continues to cause illness due to Salmonella being inside tracts of grade A eggs. Salmonella can silently infect the ovaries of healthy appearing hens and contaminate the inside of eggs before the shells are formed.

* What is an example of a real life outbreak of this foodborne illness in the United States?

In 2011 between the months of April and June there were 25 persons with reported cases of Salmonella poisoning. The outbreak was linked to Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC, Alfalfa Sprouts, and Spicy Sprouts. A recall was issued for sprouts with the expiration dates of 06 22 thru 07 14.

* What are the clinical symptoms, duration of the disease, and treatment if any?

Clinical symptoms of Salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The symptoms usually occur 12 to 72 hours after the infection has occurred. The symptoms can usually last 4 to 7 days. In some cases diarrhea can be so severe that hospitalization is required. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites. This can cause death unless treated promptly with antibiotics. A small number of patients develop pain in joints, irritation of the eyes, and painful urination. This is called reactive arthritis. This can last month or years/

* What steps can be taken to prevent further outbreaks? Include individual as well as environmental precautions and methods.

There are several precautions that can be taken to avoid getting Salmonella poisoning. You need to make sure that you cook poultry, ground beef, and eggs thoroughly. Do not eat or drink raw eggs or raw milk. You should always wash your hands, kitchen surfaces, and utensils with soap and hot water immediately after contact with raw meat or poultry. You should keep uncooked meats separate from produce, cooked foods, and ready-to-eat foods.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Salmonella; www.cdc.gov/salmonella

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