The CDC is collaborating, yet again, with public health officials in multiple states across the United States and with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service to investigate an ongoing multi-state outbreak of Salmonella infections in humans. Recent outbreaks have been linked to pancake mixes, frozen pot pies and peanut butter, cantaloupe melons (March 2008),Malt O Meal cereal (April 2008), dry dog food (May 2008), peppers (June and July, 2008), frozen chicken dinners (October 2008), peanut products (January 2009) and now, pistachios (March and May 2009).
The majority of infected patients,once diagnosed, are treated simply and effectively without the use of antibiotics. Without professional diagnosis and identification, Salmonella can become complicated.
Origins
- Milk and eggs are the most common sources, but Salmonella can originate from water, meats, fresh fruits and vegetables contaminated with human or animal feces.
- Farm animals, turtles and iguanas can harbor Salmonella and are prime suspects in Salmonella cases in children. Ensure that children wash hands properly after handling, petting or being in close proximity to these animals. Petting zoos have been linked with several outbreaks of Salmonella.
Symptoms
Symptoms may consist of some (not necessarily all) of the following, with onset approximately 12-72 hours after infection:
- Fever (usually present)
- Nausea (sometime accompanied by vomiting)
- Dehydration (especially in children and the elderly)
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain and/or Cramping
- Headache
Duration and Complications
- Usually lasts approximately 4 to 7 days.
- Most patients recover with simple treatments; however, in some infection can leave the intestines to enter the bloodstream and infect major organs. Death can occur in these cases if not treated with antibiotics.
Method of Diagnosis
- Stool sampling at a physician's office is the only method of diagnosis.
Treatment
- Push (increase) fluids; maintain electrolytes (with fluids such as Gatorade, Pedialyte or others).
- Severe diarrhea may require IV fluids.
- Antibiotics such as Ampicillin, Gentamycin, Ciprofloxacin and Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole can be used to treat complications.
Long Term Effects
- None usually, other then months of irregular bowel habits.
- Reiter’s Syndrome in a small number which causes painful joints, irritation of the eyes, and painful urination. It can last for months or years, and can lead to chronic arthritis.
Prevention
- Avoidance of undercooked meat - When in doubt, send food back to be cooked thoroughly.
- Proper hand washing especially for food handlers (handlers can carry infection days to weeks after physical recovery).
- Assure that manure used in gardening is composted properly.
- Proper washing of fruits and vegetables, peeling when appropriate.
- Be especially cautious when crafting or cooking with eggs (especially when preparing Easter eggs with children).
- Separation of raw food and cooked food surfaces and utensils. Use separate knives and cutting boards for raw and cooked meats.
Medical attention should be sought for proper and rapid diagnosis at the appearance of one of more the listed symptoms. A simple and accurate diagnosis can lead to an uncomplicated and speedy recovery.
Source: Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia
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