11/19/2018
In a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Nov. 8, a total of 164 people have been infected with Salmonella Reading, most likely linked to raw turkey products.
The reports have come from 35 different states, causing 63 to be hospitalized and one death reported from California.
And while a single, common supplier has not yet been identified, the multi-drug resistant bacteria has been identified in samples taken from raw turkey pet food, raw turkey products and live turkeys.
With possibly millions of individuals getting ready to handle raw turkeys in preparation for their Thanksgiving meal, the CDC warns to take proper precautions when handling raw turkey and make sure the meat is cooked thoroughly.
Dr. Richard Conn with Conn Family Medicine in Connellsville, said the bacteria is typically transmitted when an individual ingests contaminated food or water.
“Salmonella infection (Salmonellosis) is typically self-limiting — patients will get better without treatment — and in most cases of infectious diarrhea, it can be treated with fluid and electrolyte replacement,” he said. “Antibiotics typically do not shorten the duration of symptoms, and sometimes they will make recovery time last longer. Antibiotics are generally reserved for patients with severe disease, or if the patient is at high risk for invasive disease.”
Dr. Jeffrey Frye, area medical director with MedExpress, said the salmonella bacteria is very hardy and can survive up to two weeks on counter tops, cutting boards and sponges.
The typical life cycle of the bacteria in a human usually begins with an incubation of six to 72 hours before the effects of large volume, watery (typically bloodless) diarrhea set in.
Abdominal cramping is also a part of the equation, according to Conn, but in most cases, the symptoms will usually lessen within three to seven days. Fever, chills, headache and muscle aches, could also be attributed to the bacteria, with the fever typically resolving within two days.
“In rare cases, the salmonella bacteria can enter the blood, travel to, and infect, other organs,” Conn said. “In those cases, antibiotics are usually necessary to remove the infection.”
If a person is affected by salmonella, Conn said, it is important to stay well hydrated, replenish electrolytes (electrolyte-rich drinks such as Gatorade or Pedialyte can help), and get plenty of rest.
“If your symptoms are severe, if you get a high fever, if you have bloody diarrhea, if symptoms are lasting longer than anticipated, or if you cannot stay adequately hydrated, it’s important to seek medical attention,” Conn said. “Also, seek medical attention for the very young, the elderly, or if the patient has other significant medical problems.”
In cases where the diagnosis is in question, stool studies can be performed to differentiate between salmonella and other infectious causes of diarrhea.
Frye said some good safety tips while handling or cooking turkeys this holiday season is being sure to wipe down the kitchen surfaces each and every time raw turkey or foods comes into contact with it and to keep food preparation areas separate from food serving areas.
“If you’re like most of us, your turkey is likely frozen when you get it,” he said. “Proper thawing is critical — don’t thaw it by leaving it sit out on the counter. The CDC recommends thawing in your fridge or microwave, or in a sink of cold water.
“If you go that route, be sure to change out the water every 30 minutes or so to keep it from dropping to unsafe temperatures (above 40 degrees) where bacteria could rapidly grow,” Frye added. “It is important to completely thaw before cooking.”
When cooking the turkey, Frye said to make sure your turkey is thoroughly cooked to at least 165 degrees in order to kill those harmful bacteria.
“If you cook the turkey with stuffing, make sure that the stuffing is cooked through,” he said. “Uncooked eggs in stuffing can carry salmonella as well.”
Other safety tips on foodsafety.gov for those handling a raw turkey this Thanksgiving include:
- Keep the turkey properly refrigerated before cooking
- Soap and water are your friends. Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after handling raw turkey (or any raw poultry).
- Do not use utensils on cooked foods that were previously used on raw foods without washing with soap and warm water first.
- Do not place cooked foods on dishes that have contacted raw foods without washing with soap and warm water first.
- Refrigerate foods promptly after serving or when transporting them.
Courtesy of HeraldStandard.com. Original article can be read here.