Severe stomach aches, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and high fever are just some of the symptoms that characterize infection with the salmonella bacteria. The Asem company, whose salmonella bacteria was discovered in one of its flagship products – hummus saber, announced last night a recall of the products.
The salmonella bacterium is a highly contagious faecal bacterium that multiplies in the intestines of humans and animals and causes unpleasant symptoms to appear. For most people, this is a mild illness, which passes within a few days, but when it comes to at-risk populations such as children, pregnant women, elderly populations and those with sensitive immune systems – a more severe illness is also possible, which in rare cases may also end in death.
Contaminated food
Eating contaminated food such as poultry, eggs, unpasteurized milk as well as raw products that are the basis for making processed products, such as hummus in the present case, is one of the reasons for contracting the bacteria. Another possible cause is contact with infected animals, which can also cause salmonella infection. In addition, since it is a very contagious bacteria, it is possible to get infected also through contact with the secretions of children or adults who are sick with the disease.
The garden, the garden and the garden again
How to prevent infection? First, as already mentioned at the beginning, salmonella is a highly contagious disease and the salmonella bacterium is considered a resistant and highly survivable bacterium.
People who have had salmonella can still excrete salmonella bacteria in their stool about six months after the symptoms disappear. Therefore, to prevent the transmission of the disease, it is important to cook food products at a temperature above 70 degrees. When handling food, make sure to separate surfaces intended for preparing meat, fish, chicken and vegetables. Also, surfaces must be disinfected after using them because the salmonella bacteria can remain on a contaminated cutting surface that has not been disinfected for a long time.
In addition, hygiene must be maintained while handling food – it is important to disinfect hands thoroughly using soap and water or an alcohol solution. In addition, hands should be washed after contact with pets and after touching diapers or secretions of sick children.
How are you treated?
In most cases, the symptoms of the disease pass within about 72 hours, without the need for medical support except fever and pain relievers. The recommendation is to make sure to drink a lot to prevent dehydration and to return to the body the fluids lost during the vomiting and diarrhea.
In the case of worsening symptoms, and when it comes to a fever that lasts more than 4 days, dehydration, non-stop diarrhea, etc. – it is very important to contact the family doctor in order to receive appropriate advice and treatment to prevent complications of the disease.
The column was written by Dr. Naama Sdot, a family physician in the Jerusalem and Shefala district of Maccabi Health Services