Introduction
For the purposes of this assignment, two articles on the topic of salmonella were chosen from the CDC website – “Reports of Selected Salmonella Outbreak Investigations” and “Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Raw Turkey Products — United States, 2017–2019”. These sources are considered as important in understanding how the subject of salmonella is discussed, what language is common in such discussions, and what goals organizations such as the CDC pursue in their coverage of the topic. Furthermore, these two works are useful examples of how outbreaks can be controlled, monitored, and prevented. In order to better understand this choice of sources, it is necessary to discuss both articles in more detail.
Discussion
First, attention will be turned to reports of salmonella outbreaks. The article details all salmonella outbreaks in the recent decade, distinguishing those caused by contaminated food or animal contact. By studying this data, it is possible to recognize how salmonella gets contracted, and how it spreads. In addition, it provides important information regarding the frequency, locations, and severity of outbreaks each year (“Reports of Selected Salmonella Outbreak Investigations,” 2022). Furthermore, it highlights the fact that there are different salmonella variants, different in their origin and likelihood of causing harm to humans. After reviewing the information on the page, it was concluded that salmonella outbreaks have shown great variety over the years, with 2020 and 2018 being notable for many cases of food-borne salmonella. However, no significant pattern could be gleaned from the frequency of outbreaks, which can support an assertion that salmonella cannot be fully avoided.
The second article goes into further detail about a specific salmonella outbreak – one documented throughout the 2017 to 2019 period. Contamination was caused by a variety of turkey products. What is especially intriguing about this case is the effect salmonella had on the entire supply chain of turkey (“Multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to raw turkey products — United States, 2017–2019,” 2019). Compared to traditional outbreaks, this case has affected people and animals on all levels, including those involved with the manufacturing of turkey products. Contaminated turkeys were used in the creation of turkey-based foods and pet foods, contaminating the supply chain. The ability of salmonella-ridden turkey to infect animal carers, manufacturers, and consumers across state lines highlights a need for comprehensive and sweeping solutions to maintaining food safety.
After the contents of the articles have been established, it is possible to further discuss the practical lessons contained within these pages, and how they will be used to support the final project. Starting off, specific vocabulary choices in these works can be seen as indicative of writing about disease outbreaks, and helpful in realizing the scope of discussion. Terms, such as outbreak, contamination, exposure, and intervention were all found in the mentioned articles. These words are related to the process of managing foodborne illnesses and disease outbreaks, which is the primary topic of the final project. The information contained within these resources can be useful in better understanding the underlying themes of the main task.
Conclusion
By applying the data showcased in the two outbreak studies to the process of discussing salmonella in the Caribbean, it will be possible to provide a more nuanced, informed work. In particular, the articles deal with the subject of controlling the production and distribution of various products, negligence on the part of companies and local actors, and the difficulties of monitoring and taking outbreaks out of control. The information gleaned from this research will be useful in further explaining the difficulties associated with managing salmonella outbreaks. In addition, it may also prove useful in devising and suggesting strategies for preventing salmonella cases, creating safer working environments, and establishing safeguards against the spread of the disease.
References
Multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to raw turkey products — United States, 2017–2019. (2019). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web.
Reports of Selected Salmonella Outbreak Investigations. (2022). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web.