Post-Exposure Procedures: Salmonella

Characteristics: Gram negative rod; motile, aerobic and facultatively anaerobic; prevalence worldwide, more extensively in North America and Europe

Incubation Period: From 6-72 hours, usually about 12-36 hours

Symptoms: Fever, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia, diarrhea and sometimes vomiting

Laboratory-Acquired Infections: 66 reported cases between 1979-1999

What is a potential exposure? Ingestion, needlestick; importance of aerosol exposure not known

Post-Exposure Treatment: Immediately wash the exposed area. Notify the PI as soon as possible. Note the time, place, and the details of the incident, including protective equipment used at the time of injury. Report to UM Health Center or your primary care physician. Treatment generally consists of rehydration and electrolyte replacement. Immunocompromised individuals should advise their primary care provider as soon as possible.

If symptoms appear with no known exposure incident: Seek medical attention and inform the health care provider of the microorganisms used in the workplace.

Prevention: Biosafety level 2 practices, containment equipment, and facilities; wear lab coat and gloves; frequent hand washing is essential. Never eat in the lab. Lab should have procedures for controlling the water in any fish tanks (e.g., cover the fish tanks, consider the possibility of secondary containment for tanks), and have procedures in place for disinfecting fish tank water before disposal. Caution should be used with sharps.

Reporting: Fill out First Report of Injury Form. Report the incident to the Biosafety Officer.

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