Although the food we eat is a source of energy, nutrients and vitamins, it can also pose a risk for certain infections. Among them, salmonellosis is one of the most common foodborne illnesses and a simple carelessness can cause your children to contract it.
Salmonellosis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by salmonella bacteria. If an adult suffers from salmonellosis, the symptoms are milder and temporary. But in the case of babies, young children and immunosuppressed people, going through their discomfort can lead to a more serious illness.
This infection is transmitted by the consumption of a drink or food contaminated by the feces of an infected animal. This especially happens with poultry, eggs, veal, unpasteurized dairy products, fruits and vegetables that have not been cleaned well, and foods that have come into contact with kitchen utensils contaminated by other products. Also, some animals can transmit salmonellosis, especially reptiles.
In especially severe cases, salmonellosis infection can lead to a urine infection or pass into your bloodstream and cause meningitis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, an infection of the blood (bacteremia), bones, joints, or even the brain.
Symptoms of salmonellosis can appear 24 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. The illness usually lasts a week and, often, it is enough for the little one to rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
However, when the symptoms are especially acute and long-lasting, the minor has a very high fever, vomits excessively and has signs of dehydration, hospital admission may be necessary. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to remedy the infection.
