This is the hottest health issue nowadays. With hundreds of people already infected in the United States, Salmonella scare is already becoming a concern on most countries. In this post, I will discuss to you about salmonella infection, its symptoms and treatments.

This is what salmonella looks like. I hope you like the animation I created for it.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella infection is the most common foodborne illnesses. This bacterial infection occurs most often from the indigestion of contaminated food or water.

The foods that most frequently transmit salmonella are poultry, meat, eggs, and dairy products. Contamination can occur in a variety of ways including exposure to bacteria during processing, slaughter, distribution, or food preparation. Contaminated products appear normal.

Signs and Symptoms of salmonella infection

Symptoms usually begin suddenly, within 12 to 72 hours after ingestion of the contaminated food or water. Most cases of salmonella infection involve the following signs and symptoms:

1. Nausea
2. Abdominal pain and cramping
3. Diarrhea (may sometimes be bloody)
4. Vomiting
5. Fever

These symptoms requires a physician to be consulted immediately:

1. Patient is an infant, elderly.
2. Patient has disease like cancer that weakens the immune system.
3. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea last more than 2 days.
4. Symptoms begin after foreign travel.
5. Liquids cannot be kept in stomach due to vomiting.
6. Patient’s condition does not improve after two days despite drinking large amount of liquid.
7. Fever higher than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees celcius.
8. Slurred speech, muscle weakness, double vision, or difficulty swallowing are present.

The following are symptoms which can be fatal if not given with immediate medical attention:

1. Signs of shock
2. Signs of severe dehydration
3. Confusion or difficulty reasoning

Treatments for salmonella infection

In majority, salmonella infection usually resolves on its own within four to seven days. Most people with a salmonella infection do not require treatment.

Patients with a salmonella infection needs to:

1. Drink plenty of fluids and electrolytes.
2. Switch to bland diet for the duration of their illness to avoid aggravating any existing nausea.
3. To be taken to a hospital if severe symptoms are present.
4. Take antibiotics if the infection travels outside of the intestines via the bloodstream.

Severe symptoms or not, it is very important that a patient with salmonella infection immediately consult a doctor for proper medication.