Salmonella Infection

Salmonella, the name of a group of bacteria that cause diarrhea,  is the most common cause of food poisoning in the United States. The illness caused by a Salmonella infection is called salmonellosis, unless the Salmonella involved is Salmonella Typhi, in which case, the illness is typhoid fever.

Usually, symptoms of a Salmonella infection last 4-7 days. But in some cases, Salmonella infections can lead to reactive arthritis (Reiter’s syndrome) or a blood infection that then spreads to the bone marrow or the meningeal linings of the brain (Salmonella meningitis). The infections can lead to severe illness and death.

Salmonella Infection Information

Sources: Food -Salmonella infections can be caused by contaminated eggs, poultry, unpasteurized milk or juice, cheese, contaminated raw fruits and vegetables (alfalfa sprouts, melons), and spices.
Animals and their environment – Particularly reptiles (snakes, turtles, lizards), amphibians (frogs),and birds (baby chicks). If you don’t wash your hands carefully after touching an animal or its environment, you could get a Salmonella infection.
Incubation Period 1-3 days
Symptoms Diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting
Duration of Illness 4-7 days

 

Salmonella Infection Resources

Salmonella Infections (NIH MedlinePlus)
Trusted health information on causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Salmonella (CDC)
General information plus details on previous outbreaks.

Salmonella and Salmonellosis (USDA)
General information plus directives and notices, compliance guidelines, data collection and reports, and more.

Salmonella (FDA)
From the Bad Bug Book ; provides basic facts, including associated foods, frequency of disease, complications, and target populations.