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What is salmonellosis? |
Salmonellosis is an infection with a bacteria called Salmonella. The Salmonella germ is actually a group of bacteria that can cause diarrheal illness in humans.There are many different kinds of Salmonella bacteria.
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How can I become infected with Salmonella germ? |
Salmonella are usually transmitted to humans by drinking water and eating foods contaminated with animal feces.Salmonella germs are microscopic living creatures that pass from the feces of people or animals, to other people or other animals. Salmonella live in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, including birds.
Contaminated foods usually look and smell normal. Contaminated foods are often of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk, or eggs, but all foods, including vegetables may become contaminated. Many raw foods of animal origin are frequently contaminated, but fortunately, thorough cooking kills Salmonella. Food may also become contaminated by the unwashed hands of an infected food handler, who forgot to wash his or her hands with soap after using the bathroom.
Salmonella may also be found in the feces of some pets, especially those with diarrhea, and people can become infected if they do not wash their hands after contact with these feces. Reptiles are particularly likely to harbor Salmonella and people should always wash their hands immediately after handling a reptile, even if the reptile is healthy. Adults should also be careful that children wash their hands after handling a reptile.
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What are the symptoms of salmonellosis? |
Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps . The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
Persons with diarrhea usually recover completely, although it may be several months before their bowel habits are entirely normal. A small number of persons who are infected with Salmonella, will go on to develop pains in their joints, irritation of the eyes, and painful urination. This is called Reiter's syndrome. It can last for months or years, and can lead to chronic arthritis which is difficult to treat
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If I swallowed Salmonella , how quickly would I become sick? |
Usually 12 to 72 hours after infection, but sometimes more quickly or more slowly.
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What should I do if I think I have salmonellosis? |
See your health care provider.
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How can Salmonella infections be diagnosed? |
Many different kinds of illnesses can cause diarrhea, fever, or abdominal cramps. Determining that Salmonella is the cause of the illness depends on laboratory tests that identify Salmonella in the stools of an infected person. These tests are sometimes not performed unless the laboratory is instructed specifically to look for the organism. Once Salmonella has been identified, further testing can determine its specific type, and which antibiotics could be used to treat it.
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How can Salmonella infections be treated? |
Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5-7 days and often do not require treatment unless the patient becomes severely dehydrated or the infection spreads from the intestines. Persons with severe diarrhea may require rehydration, often with intravenous fluids. Antibiotics are not usually necessary unless the infection spreads from the intestines, then it can be treated with ampicillin, gentamicin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, or ciprofloxacin. Unfortunately, some Salmonella bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics, largely as a result of the use of antibiotics to promote the growth of feed animals.
Antibiotic treatment does not make a difference in whether or not the person later develops arthritis.
There is no vaccine to prevent salmonellosis.
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I am going to travel to a country that has poor sanitary conditions. What should I eat and drink there so I will not become infected with Salmonella or other such germs? |
Travelers to developing countries are advised to follow the precautions included under "Risks From Food and Drink For travelers to developing countries".
Do not eat or drink foods containing raw eggs, or raw unpasteurized milk.
If you are served undercooked meat, poultry or eggs in a restaurant, don't hesitate to send it back to the kitchen for further cooking.
Be particularly careful with foods prepared for infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.
Wash hands with soap after handling reptiles or birds, or after contact with pet feces.
Avoid direct or even indirect contact between reptiles (turtles, iguanas, other lizards, snakes) and infants or immunocompromised persons.
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Should I be concerned about spreading infection to the rest of my household? |
Yes. However, the risk of spreading infection is low if the infected person is treated with antibiotics and practices good personal hygiene. This includes thorough hand washing with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling food.
This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above or think that you may have another one, consult a health care provider.
