Salmonellosis is a type of
food poisoning caused by the Salmonella enterica bacterium.
There are many different kinds of these bacteria. Salmonella serotype Typhimurium and Salmonella serotype Enteritidis are the
most common types in the United States.
Salmonellosis is more common
in the summer than in the winter. Children are the most likely to get salmonellosis. Young children, older adults, and people who have
impaired immune systems are the most likely to have
What causes salmonellosis?
You can get
salmonellosis by eating food contaminated with salmonella. This can happen in
the following ways:
Food may be contaminated during food
processing or food handling.
Food may become contaminated by the
unwashed hands of an infected food handler. A frequent cause is a food handler
who does not wash his or her hands with soap after using the
Salmonella may also be found in the feces of some pets,
especially those with diarrhea. You can become infected if you do not wash your
hands after contact with these feces.
Reptiles, baby chicks and
ducklings, and small rodents such as hamsters are particularly likely to carry
Salmonella. You should always wash your hands immediately after handling one of
these animals, even if the animal is healthy. Adults should also be careful
that children wash their hands after handling reptiles, pet turtles, baby chicks or
ducklings, or small rodents.
Beef, poultry, milk, and eggs are most often infected
with salmonella. But vegetables may also be contaminated. Contaminated foods
usually look and smell normal.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of salmonellosis
include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. They develop 12 to 72 hours
after infection, and the illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover
without treatment. But diarrhea and dehydration may be so severe that it is
necessary to go to the hospital. Older adults, infants, and those who have impaired
immune systems are at highest risk.
If you only have diarrhea, you
usually recover completely, although it may be several months before your bowel
habits are entirely normal. A small number of people who are infected with
Reiter's syndrome, a disease that can last for months
or years and can lead to chronic
How is salmonellosis diagnosed?
diagnosed based on a medical history and a physical exam. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, foods you have
recently eaten, and your work and home environments. A stool culture and blood
tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
How is it treated?
You treat salmonellosis by
managing any complications until it passes.
Dehydration caused by diarrhea is the most common
complication. Antibiotics are not usually needed unless the infection has
To prevent dehydration, take frequent sips of a
rehydration drink (such as Pedialyte). Try to drink a
cup of water or rehydration drink for each large, loose stool you have. Soda and fruit juices have too much
sugar and not enough of the important
electrolytes that are lost during diarrhea, and they
should not be used to rehydrate.
Try to stay with your usual diet
as much as possible. Eating your usual diet will help you to get enough
nutrition. Doctors believe that eating a normal diet will also help you feel
better faster. But try to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar. Also
avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee for 2 days after all symptoms have
How can you prevent salmonellosis?
Do not eat raw or undercooked eggs. Raw eggs
may be used in some foods such as homemade hollandaise sauce, Caesar and other
salad dressings, tiramisu, homemade ice cream, homemade mayonnaise, cookie
dough, and frostings.
Cook foods until they are well done. Use a
meat thermometer to be sure foods are cooked to a safe temperature. Do not use
the color of the meat (such as when it is no longer "pink") to tell you that it
Avoid raw or unpasteurized milk or other dairy products.
Wash or peel produce before eating it.
cross-contamination of food. Keep uncooked meats separate from produce, cooked
foods, and ready-to-eat foods. Thoroughly wash hands, cutting boards, counters,
knives, and other utensils after handling uncooked foods.
hands before handling any food and between handling different food items.
Do not prepare food or pour water for others when you have
Wash your hands after contact with animal feces.
Since reptiles are particularly likely to carry salmonella bacteria, wash your
hands immediately after handling them. Consider not having reptiles (including
turtles) as pets, especially if you have small children or an infant.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.