Description

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Picture Courtesy: HINDUSTAN TIMES

Context:

A recent multi-state Salmonella outbreak in the United States, linked to contaminated eggs.

News in Detail

Investigations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have traced the source to brown cage-free and organic eggs from a California-based company. This has prompted a recall of about 1.7 million dozen eggs.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that commonly causes a foodborne illness known as salmonellosis.

These bacteria reside in the intestinal tracts of animals and humans and are shed through feces.

Transmission: Humans are mostly infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacteria.

Common Sources => Raw or undercooked meat (chicken, beef, turkey), eggs, unpasteurized milk and dairy products, and unwashed fruits and vegetables are common carriers.
Cross-Contamination: The bacteria can also spread through improper food handling, such as not washing hands after using the restroom or handling raw meat, which then contaminates other surfaces or food.

Salmonella is contagious and can be transmitted from person-to-person through the fecal-oral route, though this is less common than foodborne transmission. It can also be spread through contact with infected pets, especially reptiles and birds.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of Salmonella infection appear 12 to 96 hours after exposure and include:

Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
Fever and chills
Abdominal cramps
Nausea, vomiting, and headache

Protection

Simple hygiene and food safety practices are the best defense.

Ensure meat, poultry, and eggs are cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Steer clear of raw eggs (in doughs or dressings) and unpasteurized dairy products.

Source:

HINDUSTAN TIMES

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What is the most common way people get a Salmonella infection?

A) Inhaling airborne droplets from an infected person's cough.

B) Drinking contaminated water from a sealed, commercially bottled source.

C) Eating contaminated food, especially undercooked meat and eggs.

D) Through mosquito bites in tropical regions.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The most common way people get a Salmonella infection is by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria. Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs are frequent culprits. The bacteria live in the intestines of people and animals and can be transferred to food during processing or handling.