Salmonella infection through onion
Date: 27 October 2021 Tags: MiscellaneousIssue
Salmonella outbreak has been reported in several parts of US caused by a contaminated batch of onions.
Background
Salmonellosis is an infection caused by bacteria known as Salmonella. Infections have been reported in onions imported from Mexico.
Details
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Majority of those reported sick have consumed food from the same restaurant. The number of people actually sick could be more than the actual numbers.
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People have been advised to throw away any white, yellow or red onions. In addition the surfaces contaminated by onions should also be washed properly.
Sources of infection
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Salmonella infection is usually caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs or egg products. This prevents the bacteria from being eliminated.
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The salmonella bacteria lives in the intestines of people, animals and birds and most infections are caused due to consumption of foods that have been contaminated by faeces.
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Person-to-person transmission can also occur through the faecal-oral route. Animal to human transmission can also happen when humans come into contact with infected animal.
Symptoms
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Acute onset of fever
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Abdominal pain
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Diarrhea
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Nausea
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Vomiting
Preventing infection
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Treatment in severe cases involves rehydration and electrolyte replacement. Consumption of antibiotic must be avoided without the doctor’s prescription.
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Food and food products should be washed and boiled before consumption. Hands should be washed before eating food.
Concerns
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Symptoms of infection are seen to be relatively mild with most patients said to recover without specific treatment.
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The associated dehydration can become severe and life-threatening in case of children and elderly.