“The CDC estimates Salmonella causes about 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths in the United States every year. Food is the source for about 1 million of these illnesses,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But what is Salmonella exactly and where does it come from? Salmonella is the name of a bacteria that is a common source of food-borne illness in the United States. It comes from animal feces and can get into our nation’s meat, eggs, dairy products, and raw fruits and vegetables (through infected fertilizer or water).
Signs of Salmonella Infection
Salmonella infection, also called “salmonella poisoning,” is a lot like having a bad flu. The symptoms include headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and dehydration. The symptoms usually subside within 72 hours, but they can last up to seven days and some people can develop joint pain, a condition called reactive arthritis.
Reactive arthritis can last for years, leading to chronic arthritis, which is not only difficult to treat, but can lead to eye irritation and painful urination. Sometimes, the diarrhea is so bad that the person has to be hospitalized. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and other organs, causing life-threatening complications, especially if the person has not been treated with antibiotics.
Who is at the highest risk of a severe Salmonella infection?
- Elderly adults
- Young children under the age of five
- People with weakened immune systems
Salmonella may seem like nothing more than “food poisoning,” but we assure you it can be much more serious. When hundreds of people die every year from Salmonella infection, it’s something food manufacturers and restaurants need to be aware of. Plus, they must take measures to reduce the number of infections suffered by consumers.
Just recently, Pepperidge Farm recalled several varieties of Goldfish crackers because of a possible Salmonella outbreak. Considering that a large percentage of the people who consumes Goldfish are children under the age of five, this is serious! Flower Foods Inc. also recalled Swiss rolls sold under several brands, including Walmart’s Great Value due to risk of Salmonella contamination. To see that recall, click here.
At DeLorenzo, Grasso & Dalmata, LLP, we are actively investigating Salmonella claims in Saratoga Springs, Schenectady and the surrounding areas. To learn more, contact us today!