Final answer:
Salmonella is spread through ingestion of contaminated food, particularly undercooked eggs and poultry, and by handling eggshells or exposure to certain animals. Handwashing and cooking foods thoroughly can reduce the risk. Severe cases can lead to dehydration and are more dangerous for individuals with preexisting conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
How is Salmonella Spread?
Salmonella gastroenteritis, commonly known as salmonellosis, is a form of bacterial gastroenteritis caused by the Salmonella bacteria. These bacteria are typically spread through the ingestion of contaminated food, specifically undercooked eggs and poultry, as they are part of poultry's natural microbiota. It can also spread by handling eggshells or exposure to certain animals and their environments.
Proper handwashing and thoroughly cooking foods to high temperatures that kill bacteria can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. Laboratory confirmed cases of salmonellosis have shown that infected individuals, ranging in various ages, experienced severe dehydration, mainly when medical care was not sought promptly and when preexisting conditions were present.