Salmonella

Description
The USDA estimates that 1 out of 20,000 eggs contain Salmonella enteritidis, a significant risk since Americans consume an average of 234 eggs per person each year.

Expected Course
Eggs that are not properly cooked can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and headache. Severe illness or death may result if the infection enters the bloodstream. Young children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health problems or weakened immune systems are at highest risk of severe illness.

Diagnosis
Salmonella is diagnosed based on a small stool sample. Dr. Patrick, from the South Dakota Health Department, encourages those who develop diarrhea to consider having the stool tested to determine if the infection is Salmonella or another cause of diarrhea illness. Stool kits are available through the State Health Laboratory and health care providers.

Prevention

• Store eggs in the refrigerator
• Do not eat raw, undercooked, or runny eggs in any form
• Use only pasteurized eggs for homemade ice cream and eggnog
• Avoid raw egg elixirs

For more information about salmonella, call the South Dakota Department of health Offices of Disease Prevention or Health Protection at 1-800-738-2301 or visit their web site at www.state.sd.us/doh/Pubs/salmon.htm.

For more information or to discuss your symptoms with a nurse, call ASK-A-NURSE at (605) 322-6877 or (800) 658-3535*.