The luxury restaurant Topolopompo in Tel Aviv was closed after nine customers fell ill and two pregnant women who ate at the restaurant were admitted to the Ichilov Hospital for fear of food poisoning, after contracting salmonella and suffering from nausea and vomiting. In order to understand what salmonella is, what are the dangers inherent in it and how it can be avoided, we contacted Dr. Naama Sdot, a family doctor in the Jerusalem and Shefala district of Maccabi Health Services.
Dr. Shadot explains that “the salmonella bacterium is a highly contagious faecal bacterium that multiplies in the intestines of humans and animals and causes unpleasant symptoms to appear. For most people, this is a mild illness, which passes within a few days, but when it comes to at-risk populations such as children, pregnant women, elderly populations and those with sensitive immune systems – a more severe illness is also possible, which in rare cases may also end in death.”
How do you get infected?
According to Dr. Shadot, eating contaminated food such as poultry, eggs, unpasteurized milk as well as raw products that are the basis for making processed products, such as hummus in the current case, is one of the reasons for contracting the bacteria. Another possible reason is contact with infected animals, which can also In addition, since it is a very contagious bacteria, it is possible to become infected also through contact with the secretions of children or adults who are sick with the disease.
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How to prevent infection? First, as already mentioned at the beginning, salmonella is a highly contagious disease and the salmonella bacterium is considered a resistant and highly survivable bacterium.
People who have had salmonella can still excrete salmonella bacteria in their stool about six months after the symptoms disappear. Therefore, to prevent the transmission of the disease, it is important to cook food products at a temperature above 70 degrees. When handling food, make sure to separate surfaces intended for preparing meat, fish, chicken and vegetables. Also, surfaces must be disinfected after using them because the salmonella bacteria can remain on a contaminated cutting surface that has not been disinfected for a long time.
In addition, hygiene must be maintained while handling food – it is important to disinfect hands thoroughly using soap and water or an alcohol solution. In addition, hands should be washed after contact with pets and after touching diapers or secretions of sick children.
How are you treated?
In most cases, the symptoms of the disease pass within about 72 hours, without the need for medical support except fever and pain relievers. The recommendation is to make sure to drink a lot to prevent dehydration and to return to the body the fluids lost during the vomiting and diarrhea.
In the case of worsening symptoms, and when it comes to a fever that lasts more than 4 days, dehydration, non-stop diarrhea, etc. – it is very important to contact the family doctor in order to receive appropriate advice and treatment to prevent complications of the disease.