2012 outbreak of Salmonella

Salmonella Outbreak 2012

Salmonella (/ˌsælməˈnɛlə/) is a genus of rod-shaped bacteria that is named after the scientist Dr. Daniel Elmer Salmon, who first identified the bacteria in 1885. The term "Salmonella" refers to a group of bacteria that cause Salmonellosis, a type of foodborne illness.

In 2012, a significant outbreak of Salmonella occurred, affecting multiple states across the United States. This outbreak was linked to contaminated poultry and resulted in numerous hospitalizations and several deaths.

Etymology

The term "Salmonella" is derived from the name of the American veterinary surgeon, Daniel Elmer Salmon, who first identified the bacteria. The suffix "-ella" is a diminutive, referring to the small size of the bacteria.

2012 Outbreak

The 2012 Salmonella outbreak began in June and lasted until October of that year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that a total of 416 people from 23 states and the District of Columbia were infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg.

The outbreak was linked to a single poultry producer, Foster Farms. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC traced the outbreak back to three specific facilities operated by the company.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms usually begin within 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment, but in some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.

Treatment for Salmonella infection typically involves rehydration and electrolyte replacement. In severe cases, antibiotics may be used, although some strains of Salmonella have developed resistance to certain antibiotics.

Prevention

Prevention of Salmonella infection involves proper food handling and preparation practices, including thorough cooking of poultry and eggs, washing hands and kitchen surfaces, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on 2012 outbreak of Salmonella
Wikipedia's article - 2012 outbreak of Salmonella

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