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.

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.

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

Stay safe around animals

• Wash your hands after touching animals, pets, or anything in their environment
• Avoid eating in areas where animals are present