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Explainer: What is Salmonella?

KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities found Salmonella in stool samples related to the recent suspected food poisoning incident in Gombak.

The incident caused the death of a 17-year-old boy and a two-year-old toddler who consumed food prepared for a school program.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a genus of bacteria that commonly causes foodborne illnesses, known as salmonellosis.

These bacteria are typically found in the intestines of animals and humans and are shed through faeces. While many people associate salmonella with undercooked poultry and eggs, it can contaminate a wide range of foods.

Following the incident, Selangor Health Department said that the results of other samples sent to the National Public Health Laboratory Sungai Buloh are still pending.

Causes and transmissions

Salmonella infection often occurs through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Common sources include undercooked poultry, meat, and eggs, raw fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized milk and other dairy products, and improper food handling and hygiene practices.

Based on reports of the incident, those who fell sick ate fried fried mee hoon (vermicelli) and eggs prepared for the school programme.

The department said both items were reportedly purchased on June 7, a day before the food poisoning incident.

Symptoms

Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting, headache and muscle pain.

In the incident, it was reported that 82 people suffered these symptoms.

In severe cases, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, the infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other parts of the body, leading to serious complications or death.

Treatment

Based on Johns Hopkins Medicine, minor cases of salmonella infection do not require treatment.

However, those with severe diarrhoea may need rehydration with IV (intravenous) fluids and antibiotics.

You will also need prompt treatment with antibiotics if you have a weak immune system.

Risks

The risk of contracting salmonella can be minimised by following good food safety practices: Cook meat, poultry, and eggs thoroughly, avoid raw or unpasteurized dairy products, wash hands, utensils, and surfaces regularly and practice good hygiene such as washing hands thoroughly.

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