Salmonella infection: Not always from food

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Travis Heath, NCOIC Community Health
  • 35th Aerospace Medical Squadron
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  When many people get an upset stomach, the first notion that may come to mind is "What did I eat?" However, food isn't the only cause of some dangerous stomach bugs.

Salmonella, the most common cause of food-borne illness in the U.S., is a microscopic bacterium present in raw meats, poultry and unwashed fruits and vegetables. Many people know to thoroughly cook and prepare food, but few associate salmonella with another cause ... pets.

A salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, can occur after handling pets, particularly reptiles like snakes, lizards and a common house pet here in Japan - turtles. Turtles are common pets due to their relatively small size and availability.

Typical symptoms of salmonellosis include fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and headaches. Symptoms usually last four to seven days, and most people get better without treatment; however, severe infections must be treated with antibiotics.

Some cases of salmonellosis can lead to more serious complications, especially in the elderly, infants and in people with chronic or severe medical conditions. If Salmonella gets into the bloodstream, it can be life-threatening.

According to Center of Disease and Control experts, the following tips allow pet owners to enjoy the company of their reptiles and to prevent families from salmonellosis:

· People should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the pets or their cages.
· It is not good to let a turtles roam freely around the house and in food preparation areas because there is a good chance the reptile could be tracking salmonella.
· Wash surfaces that a turtle or its cage has come in contact with.
· Turtles should not be in any household that includes children under five, the elderly, pregnant women or people who have lowered natural resistance to disease.

For more information about reptiles, salmonellosis or other pet-related health questions, visit the CDC's Healthy Pets, Healthy People Web site, www.cdc.gov/healthypets.