What do you need to know about Salmonella after the recent outbreaks have made hundreds of sick

Salmonella infections have been reported in at least 57 people in 16 US states after consuming one of the more than 6.5 million pounds of contaminated beef produced by an Arizona company, security and medical services said. Food Inspection Department of the US Department of Agriculture.

In recent months, several outbreaks of Salmonella have been reported. In September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that a multi-state outbreak related to eggs from an Alabama farm was even larger than expected, with 135 people infected in 36 states. As a result, Gravel Ridge Farms, Alabama, recalled its large eggs without a cage. In another outbreak, Honey Smacks from Kellogg was recalled and cereal production was stopped.

This is not unusual. Salmonella is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness, commonly known as food poisoning. It is responsible for about 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths in the United States each year, according to CDC estimates. Most people who are infected develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within six to 48 hours.

Below are some of the answers to common questions about Salmonella infection, also known as salmonellosis.

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What is Salmonella and is it dangerous?

The name of the bacteria comes from Daniel E. Salmon, an American veterinarian who first isolated Salmonella Choleraesuis from pigs in 1884. This is one of the causes of foodborne illnesses more commonly known as food poisoning. Most often, the infection results in a disease, but it may require hospitalization or even death.

How is the Salmonella infection transmitted?

Salmonella infections usually start with the consumption of contaminated food. Beef, poultry and eggs are the most common sources. However, poorly prepared fruits, vegetables, dairy products and shellfish have also been implicated as sources of Salmonella.

How to avoid Salmonella infection?

According to the CDC, four quick steps can help protect people from food poisoning at home: "clean, separate, cook and relax."
It is often helpful to wash your hands and surfaces and rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water. The use of separate cutting boards for different foods can help prevent cross contamination from one food to another.

It may also be helpful to place foods that are more likely to carry Salmonella bacteria, such as raw meat, poultry and seafood, in separate drawers or in the refrigerator.

Cook foods at the correct recommended temperatures. Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of cooked food is high enough to kill germs.

The final step is to refrigerate foods quickly, ensuring that the refrigerator temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and knowing when to discard food.

What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection?

Signs of the presence of a Salmonella infection usually begin six to 48 hours after ingestion of a contaminated food. Infected persons often report abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, vomiting and even bloody stools.

When to ask for medical help

If more serious symptoms are present, a visit to the doctor is recommended, including stomach pain or cramps, an inability to eat or drink or the presence of blood in the vomit or stool.

A fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two or three days also requires medical attention.

Is there a test for Salmonella infection?

Yes, but not everyone needs to be tested. If the symptoms are not severe, a test is not necessary. Some people are at higher risk for Salmonella infection, including people with weakened immune systems, infants under 1 year of age, and adults over 50 years of age.

The results of the Salmonella test may take two to three days to be returned. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics immediately if an infection is suspected.

what is the treatement?

Most patients with Salmonella are closely monitored and need to drink plenty of fluid before using antibiotics. Medications are reserved for very sick people with severe diarrhea, high fever or signs of systemic disease.

Dr. Tambetta Ojong is a resident in family medicine at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center and is part of the ABC News Medical Unit.