How does ‘Salmonella’ contaminate everything under the sun? A food safety specialist explains how you can stop its spread
From eggs and jalapenos to dog food, granola and pet turtles – it seems like you can catch a Salmonella infection from just about anything these days.
Salmonella has become a concerning issue as it appears to contaminate various aspects of daily life. This harmful bacterium can be found almost everywhere, from food and pets to surfaces and recreational areas. In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified 10 outbreaks related to Salmonella this year, with sources ranging from jalapeno peppers to reptiles.
Although it seems like the number of Salmonella outbreaks has increased in recent years, the CDC's reporting shows that the number of outbreaks has remained relatively stable over the past five years. However, the Trump administration's budget cuts to federal public health agencies might increase the risk of serious illness.
Salmonella is the second-most common foodborne illness worldwide, infecting approximately 1.35 million people annually in the U.S. These infections can lead to hospitalization for about 26,500 people and cause around 420 deaths each year. The true number of infections may be even higher since many people recover quickly and don't seek medical attention.
The bacterium primarily originates in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals, including insects and birds. Once Salmonella leaves the gastrointestinal tract through feces, it can contaminate anything it comes into contact with, given the right environmental conditions. Salmonella can survive in water, soil, and food for extended periods and adapts well to various conditions, including extreme temperatures and pH levels.
Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses have risen due to the weakening of federal public health systems. Salmonella spreads through various daily interactions, including soil, water, plants, and animals, and can be found in recreational water, untreated water used for irrigation, and the edible portions of crops. People typically contract Salmonella through the fecal-oral route, where pathogens from an infected person or animal are transmitted via feces when ingested.
To protect oneself from Salmonella, it's crucial to understand where it might be encountered and how to prevent its spread. Proper hand-washing is the first line of defense, taking at least 20 seconds and washing hands after using the restroom, before eating or preparing food, after handling or cleaning up after animals, and after touching potentially contaminated items or surfaces.
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