How Does Salmonella Survive?
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Salmonella
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Salmonella is a genus of rod-shaped bacteria that is so small it cannot be seen without using a microscope. It is a microscopic living creature that lives in the intestinal tract of animals and human beings. Salmonella belongs to a family of bacteria that has over 2300 variants. However, only two of the salmonella serotypes are popular in the United States. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, salmonella typhimurium and salmonella enteritidis, are to blame for half of the human infections in the United States. Salmonella can use a few different vehicles to continue its survival.
Samonella Survival
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For a short period of time, salmonella has the ability to survive in damp or wet environments. However, it more commonly travels from the feces on humans and animals to the feces of other humans and animals. It also survives in foods produced from animals, such as poultry, beef, and dairy products. If the food is contaminated with animal feces, the salmonella will travel to the human consuming the food. In the United States, 40,000 cases of salmonella poisoning are reported each year, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; children and the elderly are more prone to contracting the infection.
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Cross-Contamination
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In most cases, salmonella survives in contaminated foods of animal origin. However, it can also taint vegetables that are grown close to the ground. In addition, salmonella can live through cross-contamination. For example, if you use a cutting board to cut beef or poultry and then you use the same cutting board to cut your vegetables, without thoroughly washing the cutting board, you can spread salmonella poisoning. When foods, vegetables, and dairy are contaminated with salmonella, it does not affect the taste or the smell of food.
Salmonellosis
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Salmonellosis is the bacteria infection caused by salmonella. Fever, cramps, headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are symptoms that you have salmonella poisoning. There is not a cure for salmonella poisoning beyond drinking plenty of fluids and time. Normally, you should start to feel better within four to seven days. Even though there is not a cure for salmonella poisoning, there are ways to prevent it. For example, if you thoroughly cook your food, refrain from consuming drinks that contain raw eggs, and remembering to wash your hands after handling food and using the restroom, you can decrease your risk of contracting salmonella poisoning. In addition, salmonella survives in the feces of household pets, so thoroughly wash your hands after cleaning up any feces, specifically reptiles and birds.
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