Salmonella

“Salmonella” is what people commonly call it when you get sick with diarrhea and stomach pains from Salmonella bacteria. It’s the most common form of bacterial food poisoning in the U.S., with over a million people getting sick with it every year.

Almost any uncooked foods can be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. But most people get sick from raw or undercooked poultry (like chicken) or eggs.

This article focuses on non-typhoidal Salmonella poisoning, or salmonellosis. Typhoidal Salmonella bacteria cause typhoid and paratyphoid fever, which can be serious if left untreated.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection

Salmonella symptoms include:

• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Fever
• Stomach pains or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache

Symptoms appear anywhere from a few hours to a few days after exposure to Salmonella bacteria. You may have some or all of these symptoms.

Salmonella causes

Salmonella bacteria cause salmonella poisoning. The bacteria live in the guts of some people and animals, and in contaminated food and water. You can get sick from:

• Raw eggs and eggshells
• Raw red meat, seafood and poultry
• Fruits and vegetables
• Unpasteurized milk or cheese
• Untreated water
• The fur, feathers, scales, skin and poop (feces) of animals and the places they live
• Surfaces around someone who’s infected with Salmonella bacteria

How do you get salmonella?

The most common way to get salmonella is from undercooked food or improper food prep. Examples include:

• Eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood or eggs
• Eating contaminated fruits and vegetables
• Drinking contaminated water or unpasteurized milk
• Not washing your hands after touching raw foods and before eating

You can also get salmonella from animals and people infected with the bacteria. Almost any animal can have a Salmonella infection or carry the bacteria on its fur, feathers, scales or skin. This includes:

• Amphibians (frogs and toads)
• Reptiles (turtles, lizards and snakes)
• Birds (chicken, ducks, turkey and wild birds)
• Farm animals (cows, goats, sheep and pigs)
• Pets (dogs, cats, birds and small animals)

What are some common causes of salmonella outbreaks?

Many kinds of food have caused salmonella outbreaks. These include eggs, produce, packaged meats, dietary supplements and frozen food. Salmonella outbreaks from animals include pet turtles, lizards, chickens, hedgehogs and guinea pigs.

Is salmonella contagious?

Yes. You can get it from another person or even your pet. If you don’t wash your hands after going to the bathroom or while you’re sick, you can contaminate surfaces and food. This can spread the infection to other people.

Risk factors

Anyone can get salmonella, but you might be at a higher risk for infection or serious illness depending on your age, certain illnesses and medications.

You’re at an increased risk of getting salmonella if you:

• Live or work around high-risk animals: These include chickens, ducks, turtles and lizards.
• Take antacids or recently took antibiotics: These medications lower your defenses against salmonella and make it easier to get sick.
• Have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD causes damage that makes it easier to get an infection.
• Are under the age of 5: Young kids’ immune systems might not be able to fight off infections as easily as those of older kids and adults.

You’re at a higher risk for serious illness from a Salmonella infection if you:

• Are over the age of 65 or under the age of 5
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have sickle cell disease

Complications

Salmonella complications are rare for most people. They could include:

• Dehydration: Loss of fluids from vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If untreated, it can become life-threatening.
• Bacteremia and sepsis: When Salmonella enters your bloodstream, it can travel to other parts of your body and cause dangerous infections.
• Osteomyelitis: This is a rare bone infection. It’s more common in people with sickle cell disease.
• Reactive arthritis: This is when your immune system causes inflammation in your joints, eyes and urinary tract after infection.

It’s extremely rare to die from salmonella. But it’s possible if it spreads to other parts of your body and causes organ failure.

How doctors diagnose salmonella

Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask you about your symptoms and health history. Providers diagnose salmonella by testing your poop (stool) or blood. In some cases, they might test your pee (urine) or a sample taken from a wound.

How is salmonella treated?

You usually don’t treat salmonella with medication. A healthcare provider may treat you with antibiotics if you:

• Are severely ill
• Have a compromised immune system
• Have sickle cell disease

If you have severe diarrhea or vomiting, you may need to stay in the hospital to receive IV fluids.

You can manage the symptoms and prevent dehydration at home by drinking plenty of fluids. Drink both water and fluids that can help you stay hydrated, like broth or oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte® or Liquid IV®).

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t get better after a few days or if you have a condition that puts you at a higher risk for severe illness. Go to the ER if you have signs of serious illness or dehydration, including:

• High fever
• Blood in your poop
• Throwing up frequently, not being able to keep food or liquids down
• Dark-colored pee or less pee than usual
• Dry mouth or throat
• Dizziness

Salmonella is usually self-limiting, meaning it goes away on its own. Symptoms usually last around three to seven days. Most of the time, you can manage at home until you feel better. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids so you don’t get dehydrated.

A provider may treat you with antibiotics if you’re at high risk for complications.

Can you prevent salmonella?

You can reduce your risk of salmonella by following safe food preparation practices and being careful when handling animals. Guidelines include:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom, before and after preparing food, and before eating.
• Follow safe food preparation and handling practices, including proper cooking and storage.
• Don’t make food for others if you’re sick.
• Don’t drink unpasteurized milk or eat food made with unpasteurized milk.
• Don’t drink untreated water or eat food prepared with untreated water.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after touching pets or their food, water bowls, litter boxes, poop, cages or toys.
• Don’t touch or put your hands in your mouth after touching animals. Don’t kiss their fur, feathers, scales or skin.
• Avoid using the kitchen sink to clean your pet’s habitat, toys or bowls.