Salmonellosis – Venezuela

Two people died while more than 500 were diagnosed positive for salmonellosis infection.
Lack of maintenance and management of water repair services and solid waste disposal was considered as major reasons for the outbreak.
Salmonellosis is caused by Salmonella typhi or paratyphi and causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and blood in stools.
The regional authority reported that a water sample will be carried out to check the presence of bacteria.
Water purification tablets in the affected areas, medical treatment will be sought to prevent further infections. Authorities continue to monitor the conditions and treat tank trucks and drinking water distributors to contain the spread.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.