Salmonella

Salmonella is a common form of holiday food poisoning in package holiday hotels abroad and if you have ever felt ill soon after eating, the chances are you are suffering a form of Salmonella.

If you have contracted Salmonella food poisoning as a result of poor standards of food and hygiene, you can claim compensation with our help when you return to the UK.

Anne Thomson, the Head of our Holiday Illness Claim Department, says: “Holidaymakers should never be exposed to food poisoning in a holiday hotel. Salmonella can cause serious illness or even death if not treated quickly and correctly. If you have suffered any type of holiday illness abroad, call me on 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form.”

What is Salmonella?

Salmonellosis is actually caused by an infection caused by the bacterium called Salmonella. Most people who contract Salmonella are ill within 72 hours of infection. The disease can spread from the intestines to the blood stream and to other body sites if not treated quickly and correctly.

What are the causes of Salmonella food poisoning?

Salmonella food poisoning is often caused by:

• Eating raw or undercooked food which becomes infected with Salmonella bacteria.
• Ingesting faecal matter which most commonly occurs when food handlers fail to wash their hands properly.
• Eating food which has not been stored, cooked, handled or served correctly.

What are symptoms of Salmonella?

Common symptoms of Salmonella include vomiting, diarrhoea sometimes with blood, fever, fatigue, headaches and flu-like symptoms.

How long does Salmonella last?

It depends on the severity of the illness but most cases of Salmonella food poisoning last between 5-7 days.

Can Salmonella be prevented?

Yes. Salmonella can be prevented when food hygiene standards are high in holiday hotels. Food handlers can prevent an outbreak of food poisoning by washing hands regularly between preparing different foods and storing, handling and cooking food correctly.

How can Salmonella be treated?

It is vital to keep hydrated if you suffer Salmonella food poisoning and to drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. When patients become severely dehydrated, the infection can spread to major organs. Antibiotics may be used depending on the severity of the illness but patients should always seek medical advice as quickly as possible.

Mrs P, from West Yorkshire, contracted Salmonella food poisoning in Mauritius, and received £8,000 compensation with the help of Farnworth Rose Solicitors.