Epidemic Salmonella Paper
Katelynn Stepp
SCI/163
Tracy Capili
February 1, 2016

Salmonella is a food borne illness and it is most commonly known as food poisoning. It is an illness caused by a bacteria called salmonella enteritidis. This bacteria lives in the intestines of humans and animals and is transferred through fecal matter. When the feces enters into a food or water source and is consumed, it can lead to salmonella infection. Salmonella is typically caused by consuming improperly cooked or handled poultry and eggs. However, it can also be spread through animals such as lizards, turtles and ducks as well. These certain animals are carriers of the bacteria and by handling the animals and not properly washing your hands, the bacteria can be spread. This is a very common way that children contract salmonella because they are not yet consistent on sanitation. Many adults contract the illness by eating the contaminated food though children can contract it through an infected food source as well and vice versa.
Symptoms of food poisoning or salmonella can show up anywhere from twelve to seventy-two hours after consumption or exposure. There are several gastrointestinal side effects that include inflammation of the stomach and intestine, fever, chills, headache and body aches or pain. Symptoms can also include, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. These usually last a few days but typically no more than a week. Though rare, the CDC also reports that in a few amount of cases the bacteria can get into the blood stream causing a disease known as Reiter’s syndrome. Reiter’s syndrome can cause pain in the joints, irritation of the eyes, and pain when urinating. Antibiotics are usually prescribed when a patient has a bacteria, but with salmonella antibiotics can prolong the time the bacteria stays in the body. Drinking plenty of fluids is recommended to offset