Salmonella Outbreak: Know the Symptoms

Oct. 31, 2006 - On the heels of the E. coli outbreak from contaminated spinach, health officials are now trying to target the source of another wave of food poisonings -- this time from salmonella.

At least 172 people have been diagnosed with salmonella across New England, the Midwest, and the Southern U.S. No one has died from the infection.

The source of the outbreak is unknown, but the list of suspects includes tomatoes.

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning. The CDC estimates 40,000 people a year are infected with salmonella, with 600 deaths annually. In recent years, the number affected with salmonella has been decreasing.

Salmonella occurs after eating contaminated food, most commonly raw poultry, eggs, beef, and unwashed fruit and vegetables.

Cross-contamination is also a common cause of salmonella. This occurs when food comes in contact with surfaces, such as your kitchen counter, that have been exposed to raw meat.

Salmonella Symptoms

Salmonella symptoms begin anywhere from 12 hours to three days after eating contaminated food.

Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Headache
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

Fortunately, most salmonella infections resolve on their own within five to seven days. Antibiotics are occasionally needed for severe infections.

More information about salmonella (http://www.webmd.com/content/article/129/117318.htm), including how to prevent it and complications that can occur from salmonella infection, can be found on WebMD.