Salmonellosis is a diarrheal illness caused by the bacteria Salmonella. There are more than 2,500 types of Salmonella bacteria, but fewer than 100 are known to make people sick. Salmonella bacteria typically live in animal intestines and are present in their feces. Humans become infected most often through consuming water or food contaminated with the bacteria.
- How do people get infected with Salmonella?
People can get Salmonella infection from many sources, including eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, and touching infected animals or their environment. It is also possible for Salmonella to be spread person-to-person.
- What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection?
Symptoms normally begin six hours to six days after infection. However, some people may not develop symptoms for several weeks following infection. Symptoms of salmonellosis include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
Symptoms normally last four to seven days but can last longer.
- How is Salmonella infection treated and diagnosed?
Diagnosis
Salmonella infections are normally diagnosed through laboratory testing of feces, body tissue, or body fluid sample. Positive samples must be sent to the Indiana Department of Health Laboratory for confirmation and additional testing.
Treatment
Most people infected by Salmonella recover completely within four to seven days without antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment is usually only recommended for:
- People with severe illness
- People with a weakened immune system, such as from HIV infection or chemotherapy treatment
- Adults older than 50 who have medical problems, such as heart disease
- Infants (children younger than 12 months)
- Adults aged 65 or older
You should contact your doctor to discuss treatment options. It is recommended that patients drink plenty of fluids to manage diarrhea and prevent dehydration.
- How can salmonellosis be prevented?
Hand hygiene
- Wash your hands after using the restroom, before and after preparing food, and after contact with animals or their environments
Food safety
- Salmonella can be found in many different foods. Foods that are contaminated with Salmonella usually look, smell, and taste normal, which is why it is important to follow food safety recommendations
- Remember the clean, separate, cook, and chill guidelines
- Clean food preparation work surfaces, equipment, and utensils with soap and water before, during, and after food preparation
- Wash fruit and vegetables under running water before eating or cooking
- Separate raw and cooked foods
- Cook meat to a safe temperature to kill harmful bacteria
- Ground beef and pork should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees F (70 degrees Celsius)
- Beef steaks and roasts should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (62.6˚C)
- Consume only pasteurized dairy products and juices
- People with diarrhea and/or vomiting should not prepare food or provide health care for others and should limit direct contact with others as much as possible
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming or playing in lakes, ponds, streams, swimming pools, or other bodies of water
- Remember the clean, separate, cook, and chill guidelines
Stay safe around animals
- Wash your hands after touching animals, pets, or anything in their environment
- Avoid eating in areas where animals are present
- What should I do if I have Salmonella?
Once you or your child start having symptoms of the illness, such as diarrhea, do not attend work (specifically for food handlers, healthcare workers, daycare workers) or attend daycare or school until a healthcare provider or someone from your local health department says you are clear to go back.
Be sure to speak to a doctor if you believe you have a Salmonella infection. If you test positive for Salmonella, your local or state public health department will reach out for an interview. The information you provide is extremely valuable to possibly finding what made you sick and preventing others from getting sick. The following groups of people should not return to work or school until approved by the local health department:
- Healthcare workers
- Food handlers such as in restaurants, catering, or cafeterias
- Daycare or school workers
- Children attending daycare or school
If any of these apply to you, then you must meet certain requirements to return to work or school. Your local health department will work with you to determine when it is safe for you or your child to return. This will help prevent the spread of Salmonella and keep others from getting sick.
Page last updated/reviewed: December 2024