How do people get infected with Salmonella?
Salmonella live in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, including birds. Salmonella usually are transmitted to humans when we eat food contaminated with animal feces or food contaminated by an infected food handler who forgot to wash his or her hands with soap after using the bathroom. Salmonella is also transmitted when contaminated objects or fingers are put into the mouth. The feces of some pets, especially reptiles and pets with diarrhea, can contain Salmonella, and people can be infected if they do not wash their hands after contact with these feces. Contaminated food often originates from animals–for example, beef, poultry, milk, and eggs. However, any food, including vegetables, can become contaminated. Contaminated food usually looks and smells normal, but thorough cooking kills Salmonella.
