The bacteria are usually contracted through eating contaminated food. With millions of cases reported around the world every year, according to WHO, salmonella poisoning is one of the most common foodborne illnesses and is a big public health issue.";
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salmonella_QA[i-1].body = "Everyone is at risk at contracting salmonella, but young children, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system are most likely to have severe infections.
Infection usually occurs by eating foods contaminated with feces. Food that is contaminated often looks and smells normal, and is often of animal origin (e.g., beef, poultry, milk), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vegetables can also become contaminated.
Salmonella can also live in some pets, particularly reptiles such as lizards, turtles and snakes.
Lab tests can identify the bacteria and the particular strain in the stool of an infected person. According to the CDC, Typhimurium and Enteritidis are the most common strains in the United States. About 40,000 cases of infection are reported in the U.S. each year, but because milder cases are often not diagnosed or reported, the CDC estimates that the actual number of infections may be 30 or more times higher. Though outbreaks receive much media attention, more than 80 percent of salmonella cases are individual ones, according to WHO.";
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salmonella_QA[i-1].body = "A person who is infected often develops diarrhea, fever and cramps 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated food. Some also experience vomiting. The condition lasts about four to seven days and most recover without treatment.
But those with more severe infections may need to be hospitalized. With a severe infection, salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other areas, which can result in death unless treated quickly with antibiotics, according to the CDC. The agency estimates that about 400 people with acute infections die each year.";
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salmonella_QA[i-1].body = "According to the CDC, most cases resolve themselves within a week and do not require treatment beyond drinking fluids. Those with severe diarrhea may require rehydration with intravenous fluids. And unless the infection spreads from the intestines, antibiotics are not necessary, according to the CDC. ";
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salmonella_QA[i-1].body = "Always wash hands thoroughly after coming into contact with feces and before handling any food. Since foods of animal origin may be contaminated, avoid eating raw or undercooked items. Poultry and meat should be well-cooked and not pink in the middle, notes the CDC. Thoroughly cooking food kills the bacteria.
Also, be aware that raw and undercooked eggs could be present in foods such as Hollandaise sauce, Caesar and other salad dressings, tiramisu, mayonnaise, cookie dough and more.
Avoid cross-contamination, keeping raw meat separate from produce, cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods, notes the CDC. Always clean hands, cutting boards knives, counters and other kitchen utensils after they have been used to prepare raw food.
Those who are infected should not prepare food for others until all of their symptoms have resolved.";
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