Health Department Danger from diarrhea pathogens

Salmonellosis: Office warns of diarrhea pathogens

08/07/2014

In the district of Central Saxony, diarrheal diseases due to salmonella infections have increased in recent weeks. The number of salmonellosis has increased dramatically. The diseases could be avoided, such as by dispensing with certain foods.

Number of salmonellosis tripled
The Central Federal Department of Health alarm is sounded like the „Free press“ reported in the past few weeks in the district increased diarrhea due to salmonella infections have occurred. In the months of May and June alone, 28 salmonellosis were diagnosed. This is almost three times as much as in the same period last year, said Cornelia Kluge from the district office on Monday. The spokeswoman said that mainly households are affected: „There is no accumulation in facilities such as day-care centers or nursing homes, and there is also no regional focus.“

Consumers should abstain from animal food
According to Kluge, the spread of salmonella is favored by the warm weather, especially in contaminated food: „It is a seasonal phenomenon.“ Doctor Annelie Jordan said that salmonellosis could be avoided if consumers refrain from eating raw foods of animal origin such as meat and eggs or foods made using raw eggs. „In the interests of healthy nutrition, meat consumption should generally be reduced and more of fruit and vegetables - of course well washed - should be used“, so the doctor.

Do not underestimate risk
The risk of salmonella infection should by no means be underestimated. If symptoms of salmonellosis first appear, a doctor should be consulted in case of doubt. At the beginning of an infection, in addition to diarrhea, most people experience headache, abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. The refractive diarrhea can also quickly lead to dehydration (dehydration) of the organism in the course of the disease as a result of fluid and salt loss, which is often associated with other health consequences. Without medical treatment can lead to serious circulatory problems, seizures or even kidney failure. In addition, salmonellosis can also trigger the infectious disease typhus.

Expert advises too embarrassing cleanliness
Salmonella belongs to the group of zoonotic agents that can be transmitted from animals to humans and cause disease there. The bacteria are widespread and remain viable for weeks outside the body. Although they do not die after freezing, disinfectants work in just a few minutes. Doctor Jordan advises against embarrassing cleanliness in the fight against salmonellosis. Meat and sausage should be heated during cooking, roasting and grilling so that the core temperature in the meat for at least ten minutes at 70 degrees. Food should not be stored too long outside the refrigerator, it should also be well refrigerated. In addition, the doctor advises to wash her hands after handling raw food, to treat raw animal foods and raw food separately, as well as to clean kitchen appliances and countertops after each operation. In addition, the dishwashing flaps in the kitchen should be changed regularly. (Ad)