What Causes Salmonella

Salmonella is a type of bacterial infection. People who contract salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, vomiting and abdominal cramps. But what causes salmonella? This post will answer that question.

What Causes Salmonella?

• Feces (poo) of many animals and humans contain salmonella bacteria. Many raw meats may pick up feces during the butchering process. Hence, they must be cooked otherwise they will spread salmonella. Raw seafood can also contain salmonella if it comes from contaminated water.
• Some surface water contains salmonella. Standing water (such as that in an unused water dispenser) can also contain salmonella.
• Raw eggs, sometimes used in homemade mayonnaise and sauce, contains salmonella. Over 140,000 people each year contract salmonella from raw eggs.
• Make sure you wash your hands well after touching animal poo! Rodent and reptile feces often contain salmonella!
• Reptiles can also carry salmonella bacteria on their skin. Therefore, you need to wash your hands after touching any reptile!
• Some fruit and vegetables can carry salmonella if they are washed with contaminated water.
• You can also unintentionally contaminate fruit and vegetables by bringing them into contact with the juices from raw meats. That is why you should always keep meat away from fruit and vegetables and use different knives and chopping boards when cutting meat and vegetables.
• Make sure you wash your hands very well after you use the toilet otherwise you may infect the food with salmonella.

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Thanks to mayoclinic.com for some of the info!