Salmonellosis: meaning, definitions and examples

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salmonellosis

 

[ˌsælməˈnɛloʊsɪs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Salmonellosis is an infection caused by Salmonella bacteria. These bacteria can be found in undercooked meat, raw eggs, and unwashed fruits and vegetables. Symptoms often include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and typically last between 4 to 7 days.

Synonyms

food poisoning, salmonella infection.

Examples of usage

  • She was diagnosed with salmonellosis after eating undercooked chicken.
  • The outbreak of salmonellosis was traced back to contaminated eggs.
  • Salmonellosis can be prevented by properly cooking food and practicing good hygiene.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from 'Salmonella,' named after the American bacteriologist Theobald Smith, who discovered the bacteria.
  • The suffix '-osis' is used in medical terminology to indicate a condition or disease, often chronic.

Science

  • Salmonellosis is caused by bacteria, which are tiny living things that can make you sick when they invade your body.
  • There are over 2,500 different types of Salmonella bacteria, but not all cause illness; some are harmless.
  • Common sources of the bacteria include raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and unwashed fruits and vegetables.

Public Health

  • Salmonellosis is one of the most common foodborne illnesses globally, affecting millions each year.
  • Proper cooking and hygiene practices can drastically reduce the risk of salmonellosis outbreaks.
  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors and studies outbreaks to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Cultural Impact

  • Salmonellosis has influenced food safety regulations and standards, leading to safer food handling practices in restaurants and homes.
  • It has inspired numerous public health campaigns focusing on the importance of washing hands and cooking food thoroughly.

Symptoms

  • Common symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after infection.
  • Most people recover without treatment within a week, but some may require medical attention, especially young children and the elderly.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,388 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.