Salmonella infection is one of the most frequent food poisoning among the population, as exemplifies the recent outbreak that has occurred among several clients of the Madrid restaurant Casa Dani. Most patients have mild symptoms, but in some cases it can cause health complications, especially in certain groups of the population, such as children under five years of age.
It is a disease caused by a bacterium that affects the intestinal tract. “Salmonella generally lives in the intestines of animals and humans and is shed through feces,” so “humans are most often infected through contaminated food or waterexplain specialists at the Mayo Clinic.
What are the causes?
The infection occurs after ingesting contaminated products and the main foods involved are those from poultrysuch as eggs, although meat products can also pose a danger if they are not well cooked.
Likewise, the fresh fruits and vegetablesespecially imported ones, can contain the bacteria and transmit the disease because “they have been hydrated in the field or washed during processing with salmonella-contaminated water,” they add.
On the other hand, food handling is crucial. Many are prepared without proper hand hygiene before cooking.
And the warning signs?
Salmonellosis usually manifests mainly with vomiting, diarrhea or nausea, symptoms that are accompanied by abdominal cramps. Fever is usually another of the signs of the symptomatic picture of this infection. And, sometimes, diarrhea can be bloody.
The main symptoms usually last from two to seven days. Diarrhea can last up to two weeks and cause the intestine of the infected person not to return to normal, even until a few months have passed.
However, “some strains of salmonella bacteria cause typhoid fevera disease that can be fatal and is more common in developing countries,” they stress.
How is the disease treated?
The first step to treat this condition is to recover the fluid loss and reverse the state of dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting. However, “severe cases may require hospitalization and intravenous fluid administration.”
Also, the doctor can prescribe antibiotics and antidiarrheals the patient based on their state of health. Regarding food, it is recommended to follow a soft diet with foods cooked with little salt and at medium temperature. In addition, spicy or excessive seasoning should be avoided.