Recently it was news that the French Government ordered the withdrawal of more than 600 batches of infant formula milk, because it presented a risk of salmonellosis, after having detected some cases of infection. You can check the list of recalled products here.
Now we want to talk to you about salmonellosis, because it is always good to be informed to prevent these types of diseases, which if not treated could have serious consequences. We tell you what is salmonellosis and how can you prevent it in babies and children.
What is salmonellosis?
Is a Gastrointestinal infection caused by a set of bacteria called salmonella and is the most common cause of foodborne illness. According to information from the World Health Organization (WHO) it is one of the most widespread food diseases.
Salmonella bacteria It is possible to find it in raw poultry, eggs, beef, milk and sometimes in some fruits and vegetables that have not been washed properly. It is also possible that it has been transmitted through some pets, particularly reptiles, such as snakes, turtles and lizards.
Usually Salmonellosis spreads more easily in hot weather, when they pass 30 degrees, although it disappears when there are high temperatures, such as when cooking food.
Symptoms of Salmonellosis
The first symptoms of this disease usually appear within 72 hours after eating food contaminated with salmonella bacteria, and the disease lasts on average of The symptoms of the disease begin to manifest between 6 and 72 to 7 days.
In most cases the discomfort is mild and it is possible to recover from the disease without needing specific treatment, however there are some cases in which medical attention is necessary, as dehydration caused by salmonellosis can be serious and life-threatening.
The symptoms of a salmonellosis They include the following (although not all occur in all cases):
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Colic or abdominal pain
- Headache
- Shaking chills
- Nausea
- Threw up
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
In the case of babies, children and the elderly, it is extremely important to pay attention, because as we mentioned, the dehydration caused by diarrhea could be life-threatening. If we notice that our children have symptoms of a salmonellosis and do not disappear within one to two days, it is best to see a doctor.
If the disease gets to pass into the bloodstream, it could infect the tissues in the child's body and cause serious diseases such as meningitis, endocarditis and osteomyelitis.
How to prevent it
The necessary measures to prevent salmonella are very similar to those used to prevent other foodborne diseases. A proper hygiene It is key to prevent the spread of bacteria and the following recommendations should always be taken into account:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and handling food.
- Wash your hands after using the bathroom.
- Wash fruits and vegetables very well, and preferably peel them.
- Fully cook animal foods such as eggs, poultry and meat.
- Wash kitchen utensils and surfaces that come in contact with raw food.
- Keep food always well refrigerated.
- Wash your hands after touching pets.
- Avoid eating or drinking foods that contain raw eggs or unpasteurized milk.
- If we eat in a restaurant and notice that the food is raw, it is best to return it.
When we are moms of babies and toddlers, diaper changes are part of everyday life. let's remember always wash our hands after each change and wash our children's hands if they have contact with their parts or with the dirty diaper. It is also important that from babies we get used to washing their hands, especially from the start of complementary feeding, so that always consume your food with clean hands.
A real and recent case
Although in most cases salmonellosis disappears on its own and needing only oral electrolytes to compensate for dehydration, as with any disease, we must not underestimate it and we must be careful that it does not worsen.
I share my personal experience: I suffered from salmonellosis a few months ago after eating Chicken contaminated with salmonella in a Japanese food restaurant. What started as a simple diarrhea immediately escalated into unbearable malaise and general pain that led me to the emergency room.
We were several people affected, but in my case I went through a severe dehydration that required remained in hospital for five days with antibiotic and intravenous fluids, to continue treatment with antibiotics and lactobacilli at home for another 15 days. Fortunately, my three-year-old daughter didn't want to eat on that occasion and I just got sick.
Remember to always carry out hygiene measures to prevent this disease from occurring, educating our children and the whole family to wash their hands frequently and we pay special attention to the food we consume.
