Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is an illness caused by a group of bacteria called Salmonella. These bacteria are found worldwide, including in New Brunswick. They live in the intestines of infected people and animals, particularly poultry (baby chicks and ducklings) and reptiles (snakes and turtles). The bacteria cause gastrointestinal illness and are passed in the feces. Salmonella bacteria are one of the most common causes of diarrhea.

Diagnosis of infection is based on assessment of clinical symptoms by a health care provider and laboratory testing of a stool sample can confirm diagnosis. 

Symptoms usually appear within one to two days after a person becomes infected with the bacteria. Most people who become ill have diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. Symptoms usually last less than a week, and most individuals recover without treatment. In some people, serious illness can develop. 

Salmonella bacteria are passed in the feces from infected people and animals. The bacteria can be found in soil, food, water or on surfaces contaminated with feces. The bacteria are spread by person-to-person contact, by animal-to-person contact, by eating contaminated food or by drinking contaminated water. Most cases are associated with improperly handling or eating raw and undercooked eggs or poultry. 

Salmonella infection can also be spread by contact of cooked foods with raw poultry on unwashed cutting boards or knives. It is also spread by handling pet reptiles and their food. 

Some examples of how the bacteria can be spread include: 

• not washing hands immediately after handling baby chicks, ducklings or turtles 
• eating raw or undercooked poultry products such as eggs or meat 
• drinking untreated water that has been contaminated with the bacteria 
• a person who has symptoms not practicing proper hygiene, particularly in institutional settings

Anyone exposed to the bacteria can become infected. Young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at a greater risk of developing more serious disease. Most people will recover without specific treatment. 

People with diarrhea should drink a lot of liquids to avoid dehydration, stay home when ill and practice good personal hygiene like hand washing. Avoid preparing food for others while you have symptoms and for 48 hours after you recover. Consult your health-care provider for advice and treatment if you have bloody or severe diarrhea; prescription medicines can be used.

Health-care providers, hospitals and laboratories, schools and childcare centres are required to report cases to Public Health. Public Health staff may investigate to find out how the infection occurred, identify other people who may be at risk of infection, provide advice as necessary and implement control measures, including exclusion of infected workers in high-risk occupations like persons involved in food handling, direct patient care, and care of the young or the elderly. As a control measure, infected children participating in daycare may also be requested to be excluded.

Use good environmental management. Flush or discard any stool in the toilet and clean surrounding area using hot water and detergent. A chlorine-based disinfectant is recommended. 

Practice good personal hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or changing a diaper, after handling animals, animal food or contact with animal feces, after handling raw meats and before preparing or eating food.

Take food safety precautions. Wash and/or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating. Thoroughly cook all meats (meat, poultry and seafood), including frozen processed meat products. Prevent contact of cooked foods with raw poultry and other meat. Drink and eat only pasteurized dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream). 

Drink properly treated water. Avoid swallowing recreational waters from swimming pools and hot tubs. Do not drink untreated surface water from lakes or streams. Test private well drinking water regularly (once or twice per year).

For additional information, contact your health-care provider, local Public Health office or Tele-Care 811.