Salmonella: 5 Shocking Facts You Didn’t Know

Salmonella is a bacteria that has caused hysteria more than once by outbreaks making news headlines. An infection as a result of this bacteria can be serious, causing intense and widespread food poisoning. This infection can last up to an entire week and cause a whole host of unpleasant symptoms such as cramps in the stomach, vomiting, headaches and diarrhea. We typically associate this illness with chicken and eating uncooked eggs, but were you aware of the fact that salmonella is not only a foodborne bacterial infection? Here are some more surprising facts you didn’t know about it.

Number Five: There are Two Types of Salmonella, Including Thyphoid Fever

There is the commonly known type, which is the foodborne bacteria. Many people are not aware of the fact that Thyphoid fever is also a strain of the bacteria, which is usually associated with bad hygeine habits and, of course, thyphoid.

Number Four: Most Reptiles Carry It

Not only reptiles, but amphibians as well. Turtles, lizards, and snakes all carry this bacteria on their bodies, which is why it’s important to wash you rhands after handling them.

Number Three: They are Zoonotic Diseases

Salmonella diseases can be spread from animals to human beings, which makes them zoonotic. This is why it’s not recommended that children under a certain age handle reptiles as pets, because they have weaker immune systems than older kids.

Number Two: It’s Contagious Via Humans, As Well

This bacteria spreads quite easily, so if you come into contact with someone that has the infection, be aware. If you’re living with someone suffering from the illness, it’s of utmost importance to wash their linens thoroughly and also to make sure bathroom is thoroughly disinfected after each use. Washing commonly touched household items is a good idea as well.

Number One: Salmonella and Microwaves, a Bad Mix

You’d think that the heat a microwave provides would kill this bacteria, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Microwaves provide intensely varying degrees of heat, and uneven temperatures allow bacteria to remain. We hope you found our article interesting and informative, and thanks for reading.