Lethal Bite

Andrea Monica B. Simon

Regional Science High School
3rd Place NSPC, Science and Technology Writing

As the needle penetrates deep below the epidermis, a bittersweet sensation was felt. For it was
better for him to endure the needle’s pain than to be abducted by its lethal bite- this is Salmonellosis
in the eyes of a 6 year- old victim, Ramon B. Albano.

It was summer 2007,the glow in the eyes of a jolly kid, Ramon, gradually slept away as he
had taken a bite of food infested with Salmonella- one of the four leading causes of global diarrheal
disease according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Salmonellosis is a diarrheal disease caused by Salmonella bacteria. It is not your typical

diarrhea, it actually takes about 33 million healthy life years annually according to the WHO.

Among the many types of Salmonella bacteria, Salmonella bongori and Samonella enterica

bring the most danger to humans. These two can be transferred from animals (such as pigs) to
humans.

Symptoms

His stomach was aching, he feels like his world is turning upside down as he withdrew what
he had for breakfast- these are what Ramon had experienced. It usually takes 6-72 hours for
symptoms to occur. In Ramon’s case, seven hours after he enjoyed street- bought fish balls,
Salmonella invaded his system.

Few hours later he was bought to the Isabela Doctor’s General Hospital (IDGH).

Treatment and Prevention

Tears fell down his cheeks as a needle is injected into his body. He needs to endure the pain
as he is subjected to several treatments. He is given antimicrobials to prevent the bacteria from
spreading into his other body parts.

After a couple of days, Ramon was cured. When diagnosed by his doctor, it was found out
that unsafe and unclean handling of food led to Salmonella invading his food.

With that experience, Ramon and his family raised the awareness of their barangay. Together
with Dr. Nely Simon, head doctor and owner of IDGH, they spread Salmonellosis preventive
measures.

Indeed, prevention is better than cure. Even small deeds such as ensuring that food handling is
clean and safe, keeping leftovers covered or refrigerated, and washing your hands before and after
eating can prevent Salmonella invading your food.

Now, Ramon is a 13- year old boy enjoying life while having adequate awareness of the food
that he eats.

As a needle penetrates deep below the epidermis, a bittersweet sensation was felt. For it was
better for him to endure the pain rather than to be abducted by the lethal bite of Salmonella- infested
food.