What is Salmonella?
Definition: Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection called salmonellosis. This infection mainly affects the intestines and can lead to gastrointestinal illness.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and vomiting. These symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after exposure to the bacteria.
How Do You Get Salmonella?
Sources: Salmonella is often found in contaminated food, especially undercooked poultry, eggs, meat, and sometimes fruits and vegetables.
Transmission: You can get salmonella by:
- Eating contaminated food or drink.
- Touching infected animals or their environment, then touching your mouth or food.
- Getting Salmonella bacteria on your hands when you touch surfaces around someone who is infected or an animal. You can then transfer the bacteria to your mouth.
Animal Carriers: Almost any animal can have a Salmonella infection or carry Salmonella bacteria on its fur, feathers, scales, skin, or poop.
Who is at Risk?
General Risk: Anyone can get salmonella, but certain groups are more at risk, including:
- Young children
- Elderly people
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
Increased Risk: You may have an increased risk of getting salmonella if you:
- Live or work around high-risk animals, such as chickens, ducks, turtles, and lizards.
What Are the Symptoms?
Common Symptoms: Symptoms usually appear within 6 hours to 6 days after infection and can include:
- Diarrhea (which may be severe)
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
Duration: Most people recover within a week, but some may experience longer illnesses or complications.
How is Salmonella Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosis: Salmonella is diagnosed with a test of your poop, blood, or other samples.
Treatment:
- Most cases of salmonella do not require medication. However, if you are severely ill or at high risk for complications, your healthcare provider may treat you with antibiotics.
- Rehydration: The main treatment for Salmonella infection is to stay hydrated, especially if diarrhea is severe. If you have severe diarrhea, you may need to be hospitalized for hydration and monitoring.
How Can You Prevent Salmonella?
Safe Food Practices:
- Cook meat, poultry, and eggs thoroughly.
- Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw food.
- Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked foods separate.
Animal Precautions:
- Wash hands after handling pets or farm animals.
- Be cautious with reptiles, as they can carry salmonella.
What Should You Do if You Think You Have Salmonella?
See a Doctor: If you experience severe symptoms, such as high fever or prolonged diarrhea, it’s important to see a healthcare provider.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. Good fluids to stay hydrated include oral rehydration solutions, fresh juices and water.
Medications: For adults, diarrhea medications can help. But don’t give diarrhea medications to children or infants without talking to your pediatrician.
When to Seek Help: Fortunately, Salmonella usually goes away on its own, though you may have to endure a few days of symptoms first. If symptoms don’t get better after a few days, you should go to the ER if you have signs of serious illness or dehydration, including:
- High fever
- Blood in your poop
- Throwing up frequently
- Dark-colored pee or less pee than usual
- Dry mouth or throat
- Feeling dizzy when you stand.
For More Information
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Salmonella
- Check out the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety page for tips on safe food handling.
- Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about salmonella or food safety.
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