Salmonella confirmed cases are increasing in the United States. Amidst the global pandemic that is happening, this outbreak can be the country's second wave.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state officials conducted a continuous investigation about the salmonella outbreak.
The cases drastically increased in the past few weeks. Despite the spike, officials are still not sure where the infections started, and when it began.
Salmonella cases
Although there is still no apparent source of where the infections began, there is already 212 salmonella reported cases.
As per CDC's report on July 24, the number comes from 23 different states.
In the reported cases, people inflicted by the disease range from ages 0 to 92 years old. This statistical report is based on the reported cases between July 11 to July 19.
Despite the rapid increase in confirmed cases, the outbreak did not cause any deaths yet.
The CDC and other health officials in affected states are looking into the case intently. They conducted investigations among the affected people.
Health officials asked patients what foods they ate in the past weeks or days before they felt sick. They also asked if the patients were exposed to factors that could cause the illness.
CDC's outbreak measures
With that, the CDC provided some precautionary measures to the public regarding salmonella symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Diarrhea, fever or any severe stomach ache for the first six hours to six days after bacteria exposure.
- Salmonella lasts up to a week, and one can be recovered without medical treatment.
- Severe illness will lead to hospitalization. The infection can further damage the internal organs, mainly the intestines.
- The bacteria can harm the bloodstream, making it hard for other body parts to function normally.
- The immune system will tend to weaken and have severe illnesses for children and older adults.
The CDC also advised the public regarding what to do if they showed signs of infection. For people who feel ill and has salmonella symptoms, they should:
- Seek medical help from a doctor or health provider.
- Look back and start listing what foods did you take in the past days before you felt sick.
- Report your illness to the nearest hospital or health department in your area.
- Provide all necessary information to health investigators when they ask questions about your disease.
Brief fact-check on salmonella
Salmonella infection is caused by the bacteria found in raw or uncooked meat. It can also come from eating raw poultry, eggs, or egg products.
Most cases of salmonella include a few hours to two days of incubation after exposure to bacteria. In some cases, salmonella can also be generically classified as stomach flu.
When a person has salmonella, they often experience sudden headaches, diarrhea, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
Diarrhea can last up to nearly two weeks, and severe cases will take a few months for one's bowel to go back to normal. Thus, it is crucial to be mindful of the symptoms and act right away when you have it.
