NHS Greater Glasgow today confirmed that an elderly Glasgow woman has been admitted to the Victoria Infirmary suffering from a case of community acquired Salmonella.
The 82-year-old woman is acutely ill and is being treated by specialist staff within the Infirmary.
Public Health officials are currently investigating possible sources of the infection within the community and are reassuring the public that the high standards of infection control continue at the hospital.
Notes to editors:
What sort of germ is Salmonella?
The Salmonella germ is a group of bacteria that can cause diarrhoeal illness in humans. They are microscopic living creatures that pass from the faeces of people or animals, to other people or other animals.
How can Salmonella infections be diagnosed?
Many different kinds of illnesses can cause diarrhoea, fever, or abdominal cramps. Determining that Salmonella is the cause of the illness depends on laboratory tests that identify Salmonella in the stools of an infected person. These tests are sometimes not performed unless the laboratory is instructed specifically to look for the organism. Once Salmonella has been identified, further testing can determine its specific type, and which antibiotics could be used to treat it.
How can Salmonella infections be treated?
Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5-7 days and often do not require treatment unless the patient becomes severely dehydrated or the infection spreads from the intestines. Persons with severe diarrhoea may require rehydration, often with intravenous fluids. Antibiotics are not usually necessary unless the infection spreads from the intestines.
Are there long term consequences to a Salmonella infection?
Persons with diarrhoea usually recover completely, although it may be several months before their bowel habits are entirely normal.
How do people catch Salmonella?
Salmonella live in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, including birds. Salmonella are usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal faeces. Salmonella is also easily transmitted on the hands.