Salmonella infection typically comes from ingesting food and water contaminated by the salmonella bacteria. They could have been contaminated by the feces of an infected animal, say for example a rat or a mice, or from the droppings of an infected insect such as roaches and flies. One could also have salmonella infection from ingesting undercooked meat and eggs or not washing hands after handling a pet reptile. It is so easy to acquire salmonella infection, so you have to be extra careful to prevent this type of infection.
Causes of Salmonella Infection
There are a lot of ways that you could get salmonella infection. For one, you could get it from eating undercooked and raw meat and seafood. Two, you could also get it from ingesting raw eggs that came from infected chickens. Three, salmonella infection could also be acquired from eating unwashed, contaminated fruits and veggies, especially those that come into contact with raw meat. Finally, you could also get salmonella infection from eating food contaminated by an infected animal’s droppings.
Signs and Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
The incubation period of the salmonella bacteria can be anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. The symptoms are usually that of gastroenteritis where the individual suffers from fever and chills together with abdominal pain and cramping. There will also be diarrhea as well as some bloody stools. In addition to this, the patient will also have some headache, coupled with nausea and vomiting.
Treatment of Salmonella Infection
Salmonella infection typically goes away without medication, as long as the patient keeps himself hydrated. However, if the condition is severe, medications such as acetaminophen and antibiotics are oftentimes given. Medications given for diarrhea are not typically administered though particularly since it holds up the process of getting rid of the bacteria.
Prevention Tips for Salmonella Infection
Prevention of salmonella infection is relatively easy to do. First and foremost, you have to make sure that your home is always clean and that there are no salmonella bacteria-carrying pests such as rodents and roaches inside the house. If there are pest infestations, then you need to get in touch with your local pest control company so they can get rid of the pests safely and effectively.
Second, it is important that you always wash your hands before and after handling food. You do not want to transfer bacteria from your hands to your food or vice versa. Also, it is very important, too, that you wash your hands after going to the bathroom or changing diapers.
Third, when cooking food, see to it that you are cooking them properly. Make sure that the meat, poultry, and seafood are evenly cooked and cooked at the right temperature. When preparing fruits and veggies, wash them thoroughly with clean water.
Fourth, when storing food, keep the meat separated from veggies and fruits. You do not want the bacteria from the uncooked meat transferring to your fresh produce.
Fifth, always make sure that you wash all your dining and cooking utensils thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse them just as thoroughly as well and store them properly so pests will not be able to crawl all over them and infest them with bacteria.
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Jennifer Dallmeyer is an article writer for home blogs and pest control blogs. She usually writes about tips in home and garden cleaning, particularly the kitchen. If you have any pest infestation problems, she recommends getting in touch with your local pest control company such as Insight Pest Solutioins.