Salmonella in Babies

Like adults, babies can suffer from food poisoning after eating contaminated foods. In fact, salmonella cases are highest among infants, aged 3 months to 11 months. Salmonella is one bacteria that can lead to food poisoning.

Causes

Typically, babies contract salmonella after eating contaminated foods, such as raw or undercooked meat, raw or undercooked eggs and unpasteurized milk. Reptiles also carry salmonella, so they are not safe pets in homes with infants or small children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, nausea and fever.

Treatment

Limit food and drink for about 3-4 hours. Symptoms usually last 2-7 days. Call your pediatrician immediately if your baby shows signs of dehydration; has bloody diarrhea; is confused, weak, or numb; or has hallucinations or trouble breathing.

Prevention

Don't feed your baby raw or undercooked meats or egg. When you introduce cow milk, be sure to use pasteurized milk. Always wash your hands before preparing foods and never leave cooked foods unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours. Make sure meats are cooked completely.

Breastfeeding

A FoodNet study performed over the course of 2002 to 2004 found that breastfeeding helped reduce the incidents of salmonella among infants up to 11 months old but was most helpful in infants under three months.

References

• The Complete and Authoritative Guide Caring for Your Baby and Young Child Birth to Age Five; Steven P. Shelov, M.D., M.S.; 2005
• Center for Disease Control Feature on Reptiles and Salmonella
• FoodNet Case Study on Salmonella in Infants