How to Identify Salmonella Bacteria Infections

Salmonella poisoning is an illness caused by a bacteria that proliferates in certain types of foods such as meats and dairy products. Kitchen preparation and cooking areas must be kept clean to prevent salmonella bacteria from sticking to cutting surfaces, utensils and dining ware. The Salmonella bacteria affects the gastrointestinal and lymphatic systems and affects all ages. Symptoms of Salmonella bacteria poisoning generally appear within 6 to 72 hours after eating infected foods. Most commonly, the bacteria is found in chicken and eggs but is also known to inhabit other meats and unpasteurized dairy products.

Instructions

1. Salmonella bacteria poisoning will cause digestive problems, the most common of which is diarrhea accompanied by stomach cramps. Diarrhea may cause rapid fluid loss, so it is important to stay hydrated.

2. Salmonella poisoning may also be accompanied by sensations of nausea or outright vomiting. Sometimes, these symptoms are joined by a low grade fever. Try your best not to take an anti-emetic, as vomiting is your body's way of purging 'bad stuff' out of your body. However, do take care to drink extra fluids, sipping if necessary.

3. People infected with salmonella bacteria often develop a headache and general body ache that is similar to flu, so sometimes, it is hard to determine food poisoning over virus.

4. Some people with salmonella bacteria poisoning will also exhibit a rash, though many others do not.

Tips & Warnings

• In most cases, salmonella bacteria food poisoning symptoms will ease in two to three days. Get plenty of rest, replace lost fluids (very important!) and use a hot water bottle or heating pad to help with the stomach cramps.

• If a fever spikes over 102 degrees, or if the skin or eyes appear yellow, visit a doctor immediately.

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