A 5-month-old diagnosed with salmonella is most likely affected by which of the following?

The most likely source of salmonella infection in a 5-month-old infant is commonly associated with table food. At this age, infants may begin transitioning to solid foods, which can introduce them to a variety of potential pathogens if the food is improperly prepared or handled. Table foods, particularly those that are not cooked thoroughly or are contaminated, can indeed harbor salmonella, especially in situations where food safety practices are not strictly followed.

Infants are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illnesses because their immune systems are still developing. Foods such as undercooked eggs, meats, and raw fruits and vegetables may carry the risk of salmonella. In contrast, fruit juice, milk, and evaporated milk are generally less likely to be associated with salmonella unless they are contaminated or mishandled during processing or storage. However, these items are typically more regulated in terms of food safety compared to solid table foods, which might not have the same level of scrutiny when it comes to household food preparation.

Therefore, the transition to solid foods, or table foods, for a 5-month-old can pose a higher risk for developing salmonella and other foodborne illnesses compared to other options listed.