Salmonella Infection

IAS Current Affairs

22 hours ago

Source: Hindustan Times
GS III: Science and Technology

Overview

Why in the News?

A Salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated eggs has sickened 79 people across seven US states, with 21 hospitalised.
Symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps.

The provided image is only for representation purposes

Investigations by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have traced the source to brown cage-free and organic eggs from a California-based company.
This has prompted a recall of about 1.7 million dozen eggs.
Prevent infection by cooking eggs thoroughly, washing hands, and avoiding raw or undercooked foods.

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that commonly causes a foodborne illness known as salmonellosis.
These bacteria reside in the intestinal tracts of animals and humans and are shed through faeces.
Transmission
- Humans are mostly infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacteria.
Common Sources
- Raw or undercooked meat (chicken, beef, turkey), eggs, unpasteurized milk and dairy products, and unwashed fruits and vegetables are common carriers.
Cross-Contamination
- The bacteria can also spread through improper food handling, such as not washing hands after using the restroom or handling raw meat, which then contaminates other surfaces or food.
Salmonella is contagious and can be transmitted from person to person through the faecal-oral route, though this is less common than foodborne transmission.
It can also be spread through contact with infected pets, especially reptiles and birds.

Symptoms

How to Safeguard?

Simple hygiene and food safety practices are the best defence.
Ensure meat, poultry, and eggs are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Steer clear of raw eggs (in doughs or dressings) and unpasteurized dairy products.

Daily Current Affairs: Click Here