Published on: 5/26/2025
Is salmonella contagious from person to person, and if so, how does it spread?
Salmonella can spread from person to person, usually through contact with feces from an infected person, especially in places like hospitals.
Explanation
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause illness in humans. It is known to spread from person to person, primarily through the fecal-oral route. This means that if someone touches something contaminated with the feces of an infected person and then touches their mouth, they can become infected.
How It Spreads:
- Direct Contact: This can happen in settings like hospitals where people are in close proximity to each other.
- Poor Hygiene: Not washing hands properly after using the bathroom or before eating can lead to the spread.
- Contaminated Surfaces: Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with Salmonella can also lead to infection.
In hospitals, outbreaks can occur if infection control practices are not followed. This includes proper handwashing and cleaning practices. While not as common as foodborne transmission, person-to-person spread can still happen, especially in crowded or unsanitary conditions. It's important to maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of Salmonella.
(References)
- Steere AC, Hall WJ 3rd, Wells JG, Craven PJ, Leotsakis N, Farmer JJ 3rd, & Gangarosa EJ. (1975). Person-to-person spread of Salmonella typhimurium after a .... Lancet (London, England), 46457.
- Qamar FN, Hussain W, & Qureshi S. (2022). Salmonellosis Including Enteric Fever. Pediatric clinics of North America, 34794677.
- Standaert SM, Hutcheson RH, & Schaffner W. (1994). Nosocomial transmission of Salmonella gastroenteritis to .... Infection control and hospital epidemiology, 8133005.
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