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Food Poisoning
- FDA Issues Warning - Alfalfa Sprouts Infected with Salmonella
- Pistachios Recall Due to Salmonella Contamination
- FDA Says Production Error at Fault in Pistachio Salmonella Contamination
- One Million Pounds of Pistachios Being Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk
- FBI Raids Georgia Plant at Fault in Salmonella Outbreak
News
- FDA Issues 2009 FDA Food Code
Posted on 11/24/2009 - Melamine-Tainted Candy Found in United States
Posted on 1/26/2009 - FDA To Detain Food Shipments From China Over Concern About Melamine
Posted on 11/13/2008 - Blue Cat Yogurt Drinks Found to Contain Melamine
Posted on 10/3/2008 - Country of Origin Label Law Goes into Effect Nationwide
Posted on 10/3/2008
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Food Poisoning
Salmonella Food Poisoning -- What Every Consumer Should Know
What is Salmonella?Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes diarrhea-related illnesses in humans. There are many different kinds of Salmonella bacteria. Salmonella serotype Typhimurium and Salmonella serotype Enteritidis are the most common forms of the Salmonella bacteria in the United States.
How Common is Salmonella Food Poisoning?
Approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis (salmonella poisoning) are reported each year in the United States. However, because milder cases of salmonella poisoning are typically not reported, it is believed that the actual number of salmonella infections may be thirty or forty times higher. Salmonella poisoning is more common in the summer than in the winter.
Who is Most Likely to Get Salmonella Food Poisoning?
Children under the age of five are about five times more likely than any other age group to get salmonellosis. Young children, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most likely to suffer severe illness as a result of salmonella poisoning.
What are the Primary Symptoms of Salmonella Food Poisoning?
Most persons infected with Salmonella bacteria develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days and most persons recover without any treatment. In some patients, the diarrhea is so severe that treatment, including hospitalization, is needed. In some of these patients, the salmonella poisoning spreads from the intestines to the blood stream, and from the blood stream to other body parts. In these patients, death can result if the infection is not immediately treated with intravenous antibiotics.
How is Salmonella Food Poisoning Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Salmonella poisoning requires laboratory testing of a stool sample.
How is Salmonella Food Poisoning Treated?
Most persons with Salmonella poisoning do not require treatment. However, more severe cases may require rehydration with IV fluids, and if the Salmonella poisoning reaches the blood stream, IV antibiotics are required.
What are the Long Term Health Effects of Salmonella Food Poisoning?
The primary symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning are diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. These symptoms develop 12 to 72 hours after contamination and typically last 4 to 7 days. Some cases are much more serious and lengthy hospitalization may be required. If the salmonella gets into the blood stream, death can result.
A small number of persons with salmonella develop Reiter's syndrome. This syndrome leads to pain in the joints, irritation of the eyes, and painful urination. It can last for months or years. Reiter's syndrome can lead to chronic arthritis which is difficult to treat.
How is Salmonella Poisoning Usually Transmitted to Humans?
Salmonella bacteria are usually transmitted to humans by eating foods that are contaminated with animal feces. These feces-contaminated foods usually look and smell normal. Such foods are usually of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk, or eggs, but any food, including leafy green vegetables, may be contaminated. Food may also become contaminated by the hands of a food handler who did not wash his or her hands thoroughly with soap and hot water after using the bathroom.
What Should You Do if You Suspect You Have Salmonella Food Poisoning?
If you develop the symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning, you should contact your doctor immediately, or go to the emergency room. Salmonella food poisoning is a serious illness and can lead to death in certain people if not diagnosed and treated in timely fashion.
The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have lead the way in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in food poisoning lawsuits against restaurants and convenience stores. If you suspect that you contracted your food poisoning at a restaurant or convenience store, or from tainted food that you purchased at a grocery store, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation.
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