About Salmonella Outbreaks

Salmonella infection outbreaks are caused by salmonella bacteria. Outbreaks are spread by water and food that has become contaminated by feces that contain the bacteria. Salmonella bacteria can cause gastroenteritis or typhoid fever.

Causes

• According to the Mayo Clinic, animal feces may contaminate meat or poultry during the butchering process. Fruits and vegetables can become contaminated if they are irrigated or washed with water that contains salmonella.

Risk Factors

• International travelers who visit places with poor sanitation, as well as owners of pet birds or reptiles, have a higher risk of developing a salmonella infection. In addition, people in group living conditions may have a higher risk of a widespread salmonella outbreak.

Gastroenteritis

• The salmonella bacteria can cause a gastroenteritis outbreak, with symptoms that include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, headaches and muscle aches.

Typhoid Fever

• Some types of salmonella bacteria can cause typhoid fever and bring on a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, raised rose-colored spots on the chest and coughing. Symptoms include diarrhea, mental confusion and a slowing heartbeat.

Testing

• Salmonella can be identified with tests of stool samples or blood. Many patients recover from their symptoms by the time the results of a stool test are known.

Treatments

• Antibiotics can be prescribed to fight bacterial infections that are caused by salmonella.