SoDoctor.com

Salmonella are bacteria that cause intestinal illness (salmonellosis) in humans, usually because they have eaten contaminated food. Background Salmonella are a group of bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tracts of animals and birds. The bacteria are usually transmitted to people when they eat foods contaminated with animal feces.

Contaminated foods are often of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk or eggs. But all foods, including fruits and vegetables, can become contaminated. Approximately 6,000 to 12,000 cases of Salmonella are reported in Canada each year. Because many milder cases are not diagnosed or reported, or are believed to be the "stomach flu," the actual number of infections is estimated to be many times more.

Young children, seniors and those with weakened immune systems from diseases such as AIDS, or as a result of some cancer treatments, are the most vulnerable. The disease is more common in summer than in winter. Sources of Salmonella Contaminated foods, such as raw meat, poultry and eggs that have not been cooked properly, are the most common source of the disease. Not washing fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them, as well as not thoroughly cleaning work surfaces used to prepare raw meat and other foods in the kitchen can also expose you to Salmonella... more>>>