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How Do I Catch Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacterium that affects more than 40,000 people in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. It is the most commonly reported type of food-borne sickness. This is why it is important to know your risks and how this bacterium is spread. Moreover, understanding the risks of it will help you to take the proper precautions to ensure that you aren't affected by salmonella and don't put others at risk for it, as well.

  1. Avoid Contiminated Food

    • Handle food with care. Contaminated food is the most common source of salmonella poisoning. Salmonella lives in the intestines of humans and many other animals, including birds of all varieties. Foods contaminated with feces of infected animals are the major cause of salmonella transmission in humans. These foods can often be deceiving, looking and smelling normal. Some of the main foods affected by this bacterium include poultry, dairy products, beef and even some vegetables. Raw food tends to carry the bacteria; however, cooking food thoroughly will kill salmonella. Food can also be contaminated by food handlers who neglect to wash their hands with soap after using the bathroom.

    Avoid Animal Feces

    • Avoiding animal feces is another way to prevent the spread of salmonella. The bacterium is found in the feces of some animals, spreading to humans that don't wash their hands after coming in contact with infected feces. Reptiles are one of the prime animal culprits that are frequent carriers of salmonella, which means you should definitely take great care to wash your hands after holding or touching one.

    Take Precautions

    • The key to preventing the transmission of salmonella is to wash hands often and cook all foods thoroughly. When washing hands, following a standard hand washing checklist. Always use antibacterial hand soap and wash for at least two minutes, particularly if you are going to handle food. Cooking food to safe temperatures does not allow the virus to live or grow. Keep raw meat separate when handling it and use separate cutting boards for produce and meat. Wash everything that comes into contact with meat with hot, soapy water and never eat cooked food off a plate that previously had raw meat on it.

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