Food Borne Illness
Marcus Foster
SCI/163
September, 04 2014
FOOD BORNE ILLNESS 2
The Food Borne Illness Salmonella is a type of food poisoning that is borne from the salmonella bacterium. There are many types of these bacteria, but the most common in the United States are Typhimurium and Enteritidis. Eating foods that are contaminated with the bacteria catches the Salmonella virus. Food can become contaminated through the process of it being handled and the handler may be infected. Most often times the contaminated foods are from animals, such as poultry, beef, eggs, and milk. …show more content…
Salmonella lives in the intestinal tracks of animals and humans. Once an animal or person is infected with salmonella, the virus will make the infected develop symptoms. Diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps are normally the most common system displayed. Anyone can catch the salmonella virus, but usually it is children and the elderly that have to be hospitalized if symptoms are severe enough.
Salmonellosis can be diagnosed by taking a stool sample. There is no vaccination or cure the virus drug. It is important to keep hydrated, as dehydration takes effect from frequent diarrhea. In severe cases, the infected may have to have fluids given to them intravenously and also an antibiotic may have to be given because the virus has spread.
The number one way to make sure the virus salmonella is not contracted is to cook food properly. Do not eat raw meat or raw eggs. Be aware that meat and eggs need to be cooked thoroughly through so it will kill all the bacteria. Wash all produce and peel it before you eat it. Make sure the meats and vegetables are being kept in separate locations. Make sure when cutting and cooking that different surfaced need to be used for different products. Do not use the same tool you cut with for both produce and meat. Washing hand is always important when handling foods. It helps to stop cross contamination and the chance of avoiding catching a salmonella