Salmonella are gram-negative bacilli
that cause diarrheal illness in humans. Most persons infected with Salmonella experience
diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within 12 to72 hours after exposure. Salmonella
infections are self-limiting and illness lasts between 4 to 7 days. Most persons recover
without treatment. Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium are the most common
serotypes in the United States. Salmonella infections occur when animal feces contaminate
foods, such as beef, poultry, milk, and eggs that are consumed. The unwashed hands of an
infected food handler can also contaminate food. Salmonella infections can be prevented by
avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked eggs, meat or poultry, by keeping raw meats
separate from produce, cooked food, and ready-to-eat foods, and with thorough hand
washing.Table 1: Salmonella in Maryland Residents 1998-2002
| Year | Number of Cases |
Incidence per 100,000 |
| 1998 | 438 |
17.9 |
| 1999 | 433 |
17.7 |
| 2000 | 379 |
15.1 |
| 2001 | 622 |
13.9 |
| 2002 | 944 |
17.6 |
Graph 1: Salmonella in Maryland Residents- 5 year trend
