Salmonellosis – United States
- February 16, 2022
- 2 min read
February 16, 2022 – Three cases of salmonellosis have been reported in Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America. The individuals affected were two adults aged in their 70s and a child whose age is not reported in this source. The gender and relationship among these individuals is not confirmed. No deaths have been reported.
Officials of the source suspect the salmonella infections originated from contaminated dog food. A particular brand labeled “Dog Gone Dog Treats” has been determined to be contaminated with salmonella after several samples have been tested. The treats are dehydrated and not fully cook, which may be a risk factor for salmonella contamination. Handling of the dog food by humans may have resulted in transmission.
According to the source, individuals who have purchased this dog food brand are advised to discard of it. Stores have been prompted to remove the product from the shelves. Officials of the source recommend individuals practice the following safety and hygiene protocols when handling pet foods: wash hands thoroughly when handling pet foods, store pet foods away from where human foods are stored, prevent young children from touching or consuming pet foods, clean and disinfect surfaces that have been in contact with pet foods, avoid feeding raw foods to pets as risk of bacterial contamination is higher than cooked foods.
Photo: Salmonella (red) invading human cells.
Infection with salmonella in developed countries generally results in food poisoning. The organisms enter through the digestive tract and must be ingested in large numbers to cause disease in healthy adults. Between 60% to 80% of salmonella infections cases go un-diagnosed.
Risk factors for salmonella infections include a variety of foods. Meats such as chicken and pork have the possibility to be contaminated. A variety of vegetables and sprouts may also have salmonella. Lastly, a variety of processed foods such as chicken nuggets and pot pies may also contain this bacteria.
Salmonella was first visualized in 1880. The name Salmonella was not used until 1900.
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