Salmonella in Gardens
Salmonella is a bacteria commonly found in soil that has come into contact with human or animal feces, including garden soil. Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium are responsible for half of all human infections, according to the USDA. Does this Spark an idea?
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Source
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Salmonella makes its home in the intestinal tracts of infected animals and humans, who may or may not show symptoms. It can make its way into a garden via manure fertilizer or the feces of wild animals, including bird droppings.
Effects
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The infection caused by the salmonella bacteria is called salmonellosis and can be caught by not washing the hands after digging in garden soil or eating garden vegetables that have not been sufficiently washed before consumption. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever and headaches. Usually people recover in four to seven days, but the infection can be life threatening to young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
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Prevention
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After working in the garden, wash hands thoroughly with hot water and soap. Produce from the garden should be washed under running water or in a 10 percent vinegar to water solution before consumption. There are also produce rinses on the market.
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References
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