Salmonella
Bacteria that can cause food poisoning, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps
Overview
Salmonella (Salmonellosis) is an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Salmonella.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Symptoms usually develop 6 to 72 hours after consuming infected food or drink. Symptoms typically last 4 to 7 days and can include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Headache
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Dehydration, especially among infants and the elderly
Salmonella infection is usually diagnosed by a stool test.
Treatment
Most people recover without treatment. Antibiotics are sometimes used for people with severe illness. Antibiotics may also be helpful for young infants and people with certain chronic medical conditions such as cancer, sickle cell disease, HIV infection, other immune system problems, and chronic gastrointestinal disease.
Prevention
- Wash hands with soap and warm water after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, touching animals, and before eating or preparing food
- Cook all meats thoroughly—particularly poultry
- Do not eat raw or undercooked eggs
- Do not drink unpasteurized milk
- Refrigerate food promptly
- Disinfect food preparation surfaces, cutting boards and utensils after each contact with raw meat by wiping or submerging in a solution of 1 teaspoon liquid household bleach per gallon of water
- People with diarrhea should not work as food handlers, care for children or provide health care
- Children with diarrhea should not attend child care or school