Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes illness in humans and animals. There are over 2,500 known strains (or types) of Salmonella, but only a few are responsible for most human illnesses. Salmonellosis is the illness caused by Salmonella bacteria.
Symptoms of Salmonellosis
Symptoms can include severe diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever, chills, abdominal discomfort, and occasionally vomiting. The symptoms generally appear one to three days after exposure. Serious bloodstream infections can occur, particularly in very young children or older adults.
How People Get a Salmonella Infection
People are most often infected by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by contacting infected people or animals.
Common food exposures:
- Raw or undercooked poultry and eggs.
- Raw beef.
- Contaminated fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
- Unpasteurized milk, dairy products, or juice.
- Processed foods that have been contaminated during manufacturing (such as peanut butter or frozen meals).
Common animal exposures:
- Reptiles and amphibians.
- Backyard poultry.
- Livestock on farms.
Anyone who is exposed to Salmonella bacteria can get salmonellosis. Some people are more likely to get seriously sick from it, including children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
How to Prevent Salmonella Infections
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after you handle food, after you use the bathroom or change a baby's diaper, and after contact with animals.
- Make sure children, particularly those who handle pets, wash their hands properly.
- Do not allow reptiles in areas where you feed or bathe small children.
- Purchase only inspected eggs, animal food products, and pasteurized milk and milk products.
- Wrap fresh meat and poultry in plastic bags at the market to prevent blood from dripping on other foods.
- Refrigerate foods promptly.
- Defrost meat and poultry in the refrigerator. Minimize the time you keep the meat or poultry at room temperature.
- Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and counters you use for meat or poultry preparation immediately after use to avoid cross-contaminating other foods.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats, poultry, and eggs, particularly when using a microwave oven.
- Never prepare food for other people if you have diarrhea.
- Do not swim in pools or lakes if you have diarrhea.
Treatment of Salmonellosis
Most people recover on their own without medication. Antibiotics and antidiarrheal drugs are generally not recommended. Some people require intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
More Resources
For the Public
Salmonella from Chicks and Ducklings
Salmonella from Reptiles and Amphibians
For Health Care and Local Health Partners
Notifiable Condition: Report Salmonellosis
Content Source: Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Food Safety Program, Zoonotic and Vector-borne Disease Program