Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Making the diagnosis
• Part 2 of 3: Treatment
• Part 3 of 3: Preventing future poisoning
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Salmonella poisoning often results from coming into contact with water or food contaminated with the salmonella bacteria. It can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps, and it is often referred to by the term food poisoning. Symptoms usually develop within 2 to 48 hours and can last for up to 7 days. It usually clears up on its own, but in rare cases complications can arise. Continue to Step 1 to learn how to treat salmonella poisoning and how to prevent it in the future.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Making the diagnosis

1. Identify the symptoms. Salmonella poisoning is usually caused by eating raw eggs or meat contaminated with the bacteria. There is an incubation period of a few hours to two days, followed by symptoms usually classified as gastroenteritis, inflammation of the stomach or intestines. The most common symptoms of salmonella poisoning are:
   • Throwing up
   • Nausea
   • Diarrhea
   • Chills
   • Fever
   • Headache
   • Blood in the stool
2. Know when to see the doctor. Although salmonella is usually not very dangerous, people with weakened immune systems such as AIDS patients, people with sickle cell disease, or people with bowel disease are more at risk of complications if they have contracted salmonella poisoning. Children and the elderly are also at higher risk for serious complications. If the symptoms do not improve and you belong to one of these risk groups, see a doctor as soon as possible. Also seek immediate medical attention if the following symptoms occur:
   • Dehydration, leading to decreased urine output, less tear production, dry mouth and sunken eyes.
   • Signs of bacteraemia, a condition in which the salmonella bacteria has entered the bloodstream and affects the tissues of the brain, spinal cord, heart and bone marrow. A sudden high fever, fast heart rate, chills and suddenly appearing seriously ill are signs that this may be the case.
3. Get tested for salmonella infection. Your doctor will be able to assess the symptoms, and in most cases will recommend that you drink a lot and rest a lot until the symptoms get better, as it usually resolves on its own. If the doctor thinks an examination is necessary, he / she will test some stool for the presence of salmonella.
   • The doctor can also draw blood to determine whether there is bacteraemia.
   • Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the salmonella has spread through the digestive system.
   • If there is severe dehydration, the patient can be transferred to hospital to be put on an IV.

Part 2 of 3: Treatment

1. Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Loss of fluids through vomiting and diarrhea puts you at risk of dehydration. It is important to replenish the lost fluids and electrolytes by drinking water, herbal tea, juice, and broth. Even if you don't feel like it, it is best to give your body enough energy so that it can handle the symptoms better.
   • Try to eat a pop of water, ice cube, or frozen fruit so that you get both water and sugar in your system.
   • Drink plenty of water, especially after severe bouts of diarrhea and vomiting.
   • Children can drink a special rehydrating agent such as O.R.S. to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
2. Take a diarrhea inhibitor. Loperamide (Imodium) helps against the cramps associated with salmonella. However, the diarrhea can last longer due to its use.
3. Eat mild foods if you are recovering from salmonella poisoning. Eating salty or spicy foods can further upset your already overly sensitive digestive system. Also, don't eat fatty foods, because that irritates your intestines too.
4. Use a warm compress. Place a warm compress on your stomach to relieve cramps. A pitcher or warm bath also helps.
5. Rest and give your body time to heal. Doing too much too soon can delay healing. Your body naturally fights against the salmonella and it will recover faster if you don't have too much tension. Take a few days off from school or work if you still have vomiting or diarrhea.

Part 3 of 3: Preventing future poisoning

1. Boil and fry animal products well. Do not eat or drink unpasteurized milk or raw eggs. This is how most people catch salmonella poisoning. Feel free to return meat, poultry or eggs that have not been cooked properly when you are out for dinner.
   • Salmonella is mainly found in animal products, but vegetables can also be contaminated. Make sure to wash all of your vegetables well before preparing them.
   • Wash your hands and all surfaces thoroughly after coming into contact with raw poultry, meat, or eggs.
2. Wash your hands after touching an animal or animal feces. This is another way that salmonella spreads. Healthy reptiles and birds can carry salmonella, and it is often found in cat and dog poo as well. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals or their faeces.
3. Do not let children touch reptiles or young birds. Chicks, lizards and turtles, for example, can carry salmonella. A child handling these animals can also get salmonella poisoning. Since the infection is much more severe for a child than for an adult, it is better to forbid touching these animals.

Tips

• Always wash your hands when you come out of the toilet to reduce the chance of carrying or spreading the salmonella bacteria.
• Avoid the risk of salmonella poisoning by not eating raw or partially raw meat, poultry, or egg, and by washing your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
• Preferably wear gloves when handling reptiles or amphibians. Wash your hands very well if you are not using gloves.
• Only eat eggs that are cooked properly, as raw egg can contain salmonella.

Warnings

• Once you have been infected with salmonella, you carry it with you and remain contagious until you get rid of it completely.
• Beware of cross contamination in the kitchen from utensils or cutting boards that have come into contact with raw meat or poultry.
• Do not store fresh fruits and vegetables next to raw meat, as the juices from the meat can contaminate the vegetables and fruits.

Necessities

• Water
• Diarrhea inhibitors
• Warm compress
• Antibiotics