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Salmonella is unfortunately becoming a well known infection these days.
This is mostly because of recent well known cases of food contamination, including:
- a 2008 Salmonella outbreaks that is thought to be linked to jalapeno and serrano peppers (ongoing), Malt-O-Meal cereal, and perhaps cantaloupe from Honduras
- 2007 Salmonella outbreaks linked to eating contaminated pot pies, Veggie Booty snacks, and dry dog food
- a 2006 Salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter
In addition to contaminated processed food, contaminated fresh fruits and vegetables, and other food (chicken, eggs, etc.), children can get Salmonella from pet reptiles (turtles, lizards, and snakes, etc.), amphibians (frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders, etc.), and farm animals.
Salmonella Symptoms
Children can develop symptoms of a Salmonella infection (Salmonellosis) about 12 to 72 hours after getting contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria, including:
- diarrhea
- fever
- abdominal cramps
- dehydration and weight loss
More About Salmonella
Fortunately, most children get over Salmonella infections on their own without any treatment. In fact, treatment with antibiotics can sometimes make kids contagious for longer periods of time and don't necessarily help them get better faster. Antibiotics may be needed if kids have high fever or signs that the Salmonella bacteria have spread to their bloodstream or other parts of their body.
To help avoid Salmonella, it is best to:
- keep up-to-date on recalls from the FDA so that you know about contaminated foods
- make sure food is cooked thoroughly before letting your kids eat it, especially poultry, ground beef, and eggs
- wash fruits and vegetables before serving them to your kids, although simply washing them may not remove the Salmonella bacteria
- wash your hands and cooking surfaces with soap and water and don't allow cooking utensils to become cross-contaminated
- encourage your kids to wash their hands with soap and water after touching their pets, or even touching their water or food dishes
- not have a pet reptile if you have young kids in the house
References:
- Long: Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 2nd ed.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases
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