Salmonella, one of the bacterial species that can cause disease in humans, usually resides in the intestines in the body.
Symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain and vomiting may occur in people exposed to salmonella, which is from the same family of bacteria as E. coli.
Foods at risk of carrying Salmonella bacteria include raw or undercooked meat, eggs, unwashed fruit and vegetables, and unpasteurized milk.
The bacterium is often found in feces and can be transmitted through unsterilized water and food.
Most people exposed to salmonella do not show any symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, a US-based nonprofit health organization.
In other people, the symptoms, which can occur between 8-72 hours, usually go away without the need for special treatment.
However, in a small number of people, diarrhea caused by salmonella can lead to excessive water loss in the body, so treatment may be needed.
The spread of the infection from the intestines to the body can be life-threatening.
What caused the last epidemic?
It was detected that Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria were found in a number of products produced in the Belgium factory of Kinder, which is owned by Ferrero.
This was noticed across Europe when large numbers of children were hospitalized with serious symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea.
Thereupon, the factory in the city of Arlon was temporarily closed.
Belgian authorities temporarily suspended Ferrero’s license, despite noticing the bacterium on December 15, but not informing the authorities.
According to the European Union Center for Disease Prevention and Control, as of April 19, 85 cases and 29 potential cases were detected in the European Economic Area.
In the United Kingdom, which consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, 73 cases were seen.
A large number of Kinder products were recalled across the continent. These included the popular Kinder Surprise and Schoko Bons products.
Last year, 200 people in the UK were exposed to salmonella from fried pork skin snacks, with 12 hospitalized.
What is good for salmonella?
According to the Mayo Clinic, in the treatment of Salmonella, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to replenish the water lost due to diarrhea.
In addition, diarrhea medications and antibiotic treatments can also be applied.
Experts recommend that people who suspect they have been exposed to Salmonella and have symptoms see a doctor.