As the source of tomatoes-borne salmonella infections has not been discovered yet, here are some facts you should know on how you can protect yourself against getting infected with salmonella Saintpaul, an uncommon form of salmonella, that has been blamed for causing more than 160 infections across the United States.

Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause diarrhea in humans and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized. These patients need antibiotic treatment in order to prevent the infection from spreading to the blood stream, and then to other body sites, a condition that could turn fatal.

Those who are most exposed to salmonella infection are the elderly, infants and those whose immune systems are weakened or those who have a severe illness.

Symptoms of salmonella infections include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

There is no vaccine to prevent salmonella infection but people could follow some easy steps to stay away from getting infected. Referring strictly to tomato-borne salmonella infections, which are spreading very fast these days in the US, people should start prevention by simply washing their hands with soap and warm water before handling tomatoes.

Tomatoes should be rinsed thoroughly under hot or cold water and never be cut before washing. Bruised or damaged tomatoes should not be purchased or, if purchased, they should be thrown away.

Tomatoes should be cut on cutting boards, after they were previously washed, as well. Also, other utensils used to cut tomatoes should be washed.

Tomatoes should be cooked at 145 degrees for at least 15 minutes to kill any possible salmonella. If not cooked, cut tomatoes or products made from them, such as salsa, should be refrigerated at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

After dealing with tomatoes, people should wash their hands again.