What is the primary mode of transmission for salmonellosis?

• A. Ingestion of organisms in food from infected animals or contaminated by feces of an infected animal or person.
• B. Airborne transmission through coughing.
• C. Direct skin contact with contaminated water.
• D. Vector-borne transmission by mosquitoes.

Answer: (A)

Salmonellosis is spread mainly through ingestion of Salmonella from contaminated food or water, typically foods of animal origin or products that have been contaminated by feces from an infected animal or person. This fecal-oral route means people usually acquire it by eating or drinking something tainted, not by coughing in the air, touching water on the skin, or being bitten by a mosquito. Prevention focuses on cooking foods to safe temperatures, preventing cross-contamination in the kitchen, washing hands after handling animals or raw meat, and using pasteurized products.