Spooked by Salmonella

National newspapers seem to concentrate on “scare” news. Or emphasize the shocking or tragic news. I suppose that surveys have shown that these attract more readers than the “feel good” type. A recent story that was given headline attention was about a salmonella outbreak caused by peanut products. The story has prompted a knee-jerk reaction across the country. Stores are grabbing products off their shelves frantically. Some products that have nothing to do with peanuts but may be made in a factory that also packages peanut products are also being withdrawn. Is this story really as frightening as they portray it?

Let’s consider the salmonella bacteria. There are over 2,000 types of this common germ. It is found prevalently in domestic animals: dogs, cats, cattle and such. It is found in the soil. It is everywhere. Man has over the eons developed a strong anti-body resistance to this threat. How could we not? However, when one contacts or ingests one of the stronger types the body reacts more to the invasion. This can usually cause a stomach upset that can be mild or severe. The victim may spend the day with an upset tummy or make more frequent visits to the bathroom. If the victim has a frail or diminished immune system such as found in infants or the feeble elderly the result can be fatal. This is true of course in any illness - - even a severe cold. An example from my personal life is about a co-worker friend who seemed to complain every morning at work about his stomach upset. This lad was of Mexican descent. One day he asked me to join me for lunch at his house. Upon entry I noticed immediately the cause of his mild stomach problems. On the kitchen stove was a frying pan that contained refried beans from the day before. He was still using them. He did not realize that beans are one of the foods that will quickly go bad from salmonella. What was causing him mild stomach upset would probably put me in bed for a day or two. Another personal example is a time when traveling with my wife we had dinner at a popular hotel restaurant and shortly thereafter while on the road I became violently ill. We had to stop our journey and check into a hotel for the night. By morning I was O.K., and we realized that what I had ordered at the restaurant was a food that had been kept on a warming plate in the kitchen too long. But, we are not talking about this category of people. The story is directed at everyone.

For every case of salmonella poisoning that is reported there are 20 others that are not. People were infected and not so ill as to require medical help. The disease can last a day or occasionally as long as a week. The bottom line is that we are in contact with this bacteria every day! We eat unwashed fruit and vegetables from garden or store. We make burger patties on the kitchen draining board. We let our pet rover lick our face and hands. We use a hand towel for a day or two. You just cannot completely avoid it. So, why aren’t we ill? Because we are immune. Here is an example: you visit Mexico and are warned about drinking the water there. You are told you may get “Montezuma’s Revenge” or “the Mexican Trots,“the terms for salmonella poisoning. And it is true, you might. But the Mexicans living there do not get it. They have developed immunity. And, you too have developed immunities over the years to the local foods and community bacteria and virus that may be present.

Ordinary precautions you can take: wash fruits and vegetables before using, refrigerate leftovers and food you will use later, keep counters clean, wash hands after shopping, or gardening and frequently during the day, do not leave poultry, meat or beans outside the frig for more than a couple of hours. Outdoor picnics are a breeding ground for salmonella so do not leave the food exposed for too long.

The salmonella that has struck a few people in a particular location has petered out. It has affected a larger group in that area that have felt a lesser nausea. It did not jump into the Planters peanut can that you just bought. It is not in “Mother’s” peanut butter cookies. You have more chance of getting the bug from handling any package that the grocery clerk put in your bag. This story has in no way a connection with a peanut allergy which is a whole other situation. If you have no allergy to peanuts - then you can pay no attention to the scare. If you want to dwell on and enjoy the paranoia fine, but I am going to make myself a peanut butter and jam sandwich and follow with some Reese’s candy. I am
Just sayin’