Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause various illnesses, from mild stomach pains to severe food poisoning. It is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. To many, salmonella can seem like a small problem but in reality, it is much bigger than what it seems.
While most people recover from salmonella infection without any long-term effects, it can sometimes be life-threatening, particularly for young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
This is because salmonella contains bacteria called bongori and enterica. Salmonella bacteria invade and destroy the cells that line your intestines. This makes it hard for your body to absorb water, leading to stomach discomfort and pain.
In an interview with 11th grader Ubong Ibekwe, they said, “Salmonella is a very unfortunate virus, I 4am glad that we have developed many medical advancements to decrease the mortality rates of salmonella. Salmonella is a bad thing.”
Salmonella is commonly found in raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, and meat. It can be spread through cross-contamination, such as when cutting boards and utensils used for raw meat are not properly cleaned before being used for other foods. This is dangerous because salmonella can be left on surfaces and is invisible to the naked eye.
There are many different symptoms of salmonella, some include fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. These symptoms can appear within 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria and can last several days. During these days, many individuals can become at risk of being hospitalized due to the severity of symptoms and pain.
One of the biggest dangers that come from salmonella is a sickness called typhoid fever. Typhoid fever is a dangerous sickness that can be caused by salmonella. If left untreated, the infection can lead to serious complications, such as internal bleeding, perforation of the intestines, and even death. In an article by John Hopkins Medicine, it says, “The typhoid fever form of salmonella spreads to the bloodstream. It can cause prolonged fever and weight loss. It can lead to death.” (hopkinsmedicine.org)
Preventing salmonella infection involves taking precautions when handling and preparing food. This includes cooking meat and poultry to the appropriate temperature, washing hands and surfaces frequently, and avoiding cross-contamination.
In an interview with North junior, Iyanee Perez on the topic of salmonella, he said, “Salmonella is scary. Many people look past the potential effects of the disease. I personally have not gotten the disease but my uncle got salmonella once and it got pretty gnarly.”
Salmonella is a serious and potentially dangerous bacterial infection that can be prevented through proper food safety practices. However, by taking precautions when preparing food we can eliminate the risk of receiving the nasty salmonella disease.
