Blaby District Council

Summary

Salmonella is a germ that causes diarrhoea, sickness, stomach pains and sometimes fever. Each year there are 40,000 cases of the illness in Britain.

Further information

How can I catch it?

• Usually by consuming food or drink which contains Salmonella germs.
• Salmonella is commonly found in foods such as raw meat and poultry, raw egg and un-pasteurised dairy products.
• You can also catch it from someone who is ill with Salmonella, from pests, pets and farm animals.

How does it cause illness?

Either:

• The germs in uncooked food are not killed by thorough cooking; or food becomes contaminated through poor food hygiene or personal hygiene.
• The germs multiply rapidly on high protein food such as cooked meats, cream or egg dishes when left at room temperature in a warm room.
• When the heavily contaminated food, which looks, smells and tastes normal, is eaten, the result is food poisoning 12 to 36 hours later.

How can I avoid it?

Always cook meat and poultry thoroughly until the juices run clear and the middle of the thickest part reaches 75ºC. Defrost frozen turkeys and chickens thoroughly in the bottom of the refrigerator. Do not eat dishes made with raw eggs e.g. some home made mayonnaises, mousses and some desserts. The elderly, sick, babies, toddlers and pregnant women should make sure that any eggs they eat are thoroughly cooked, until the white and yolk are solid.

Do not drink un-pasteurised (green top) milk. Do not let raw meat or poultry come into contact with other foods. All work-surfaces and equipment should be disinfected after preparing raw meats and poultry. Store food at the right temperature so that the germs cannot multiply (either chilled at below 8ºC or hot, above 63ºC). Store shell eggs in the refrigerator and do not use them after the 'use-by' date has expired.

How long does the illness last and is there any treatment?

The body should be able to remove the germs naturally. Antibiotics are not usually needed.

Whilst you have diarrhoea, drink plenty of fluids.

Is there anything I should do whilst I am ill?

Wash hands with soap in warm running water and dry thoroughly, especially when preparing food and after using the toilet. Avoid close contact with other people until the diarrhoea has stopped. Avoid preparing food for other people. Make sure everyone at home has their own towel and flannel. Clean toilet seats, flush handles, door handles and taps frequently using hot soapy water and disinfectant solution. Soiled clothes and bedding should be washed on their own in the washing machine on the hottest cycle.

Will I need to stay off work/school?

You must stay away from work or school until 48 hours after your first normal stool.

If your work involves handling food, nursing or working with the young, sick or elderly, you must tell your employer.

Contact us

Officer / Team	Commercial Environmental Health Team
Postal address	Blaby District Council Council Offices Desford Road Narborough Leicester LE19 2EP
E-mail address	env.health@blaby.gov.uk
Telephone	0116 272 7555
Fax	0116 272 7594

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This page was last updated on 4th September 2009