Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection which is cause by Salmonella. It affects the gastrointestinal system almost the stomach and intestines in humans. In few cases, Salmonella can spread to the blood, the bones, or even to the fluid around the brain. Annually, there are 600 to 800 cases reported in Washington.



Salmonella are the cause of two diseases called salmonellosis: enteric fever (typhoid), resulting from bacterial invasion of the bloodstream, and acute gastroenteritis, resulting from a foodborne infection/intoxication.

Causes

You can get salmonellosis by eating food contaminated with salmonella. Food may become contaminated by the unwashed hands of an infected food handler. A frequent cause is a food handler who does not wash his or her hands with soap after using the bathroom. The cause of Salmonellosis are gram-negative, motile bacteria called Salmonella which are part of the family Enterobacteriaceae, and are usually found in the intestinal tract. These bacteria infect many species of animal including amphibians, birds, mammals (including humans), insects and reptiles. While the occurrence of different types of Salmonella varies from country to country, S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis are the two most commonly found in the United States.

Symptoms

The symptoms generally appear one to three days after exposure. Serious bloodstream infections can occur, particularly in the very young or elderly. If you only have diarrhea, you usually recover completely, although it may be several months before your bowel habits are entirely normal. A small number of people who are infected with salmonellosis develop Reiter's syndrome, a disease that can last for months or years and can lead to chronic arthritis. Few common symptoms are :-

Body pain

Abdominal pain or tenderness or cramping

Diarrhea

Nausea or vomiting

Fever

Salmonellosis isn't seen very often in cats & it is believed they have a natural immunity to the bacteria.

Treatment

To prevent dehydration, take frequent sips of a rehydration drink such as Lytren, Rehydralyte, or Pedialyte. Try to drink a cup of water or rehydration drink for each large, loose stool you have. Sports drinks, soda pop, and fruit juice contain too much sugar and not enough of the important electrolytes that are lost during diarrhea and should only be taken alternately with a rehydration drink.

People with diarrhea who are unable to take oral (by mouth) fluids due to nausea may need medical attention and intravenous fluids. This is especially true for small children. Fever and aches can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.