The Salmonella Bacterium

Two recent outbreaks of illness were caused by food that was contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. The bacterium causes around two million illnesses every year, estimates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 400 people die from their infection, called salmonellosis, annually. Food is one of the primary sources of the pathogen.

The illness causes abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever that develops between twelve and 72 hours after exposure, and lasts for four to seven days as long as it is properly treated. A small number of people have a complication called reactive arthritis, which can go on for many years and be very difficult to treat. 

One of this year’s outbreaks has been traced back to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal. The other contaminated food is pre-cut melon; it appears that Indiana is the source.

Source: CDC