Salmonella

Salmonella illnesses affect approximately 30,000 people each year in the United States. Though these infections are not directly life-threatening, they are quite uncomfortable for their victims to endure. Issues that may derive their origins from a salmonella disease, such as extreme dehydration or internal infections, may be deadly.

The Causes of Salmonella

Salmonella is caused by human ingestion of a strain of salmonella bacteria (of which there are about 2,500). These microorganisms tend to contaminate food products such as raw meats, produce, and eggs. Salmonella may also exist in water, especially if it is from a standing source. Contamination usually occurs if the animal itself was infected with salmonella bacteria or if the product comes into contact with animal feces during any part of the harvesting or processing stages of production.

Restaurants and other food service industries are expected to thoroughly clean and cook their food prior to serving it to customers. Failure to do so may result in a salmonella infection.

Symptoms and Complications of Salmonella

Those who have developed a salmonella infection will generally experience severe stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and fever. In general, the body will fully fight off the infection within a week or so. Other complications that may result from salmonella include the following:

• Serious dehydration
• Arthritis
• Tissue infections

In general, infections are treated with antibiotics. If they affect a vital organ such as the brain, heart, or lungs, then these infections may be life-threatening.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has developed a salmonella-related illness due to poor food packaging or preparation techniques, then you may have the right to claim compensation from the responsible party. Contact the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130 to discuss your situation with an attorney.