Salmonella is the common term for a type of bacterial infection caused by Salmonella bacteria, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and stomach pains (known as gastroenteritis). It's the most prevalent form of bacterial food poisoning in the United States.
It's also referred to as salmonellosis, distinguishing it from other illnesses caused by different types of Salmonella bacteria, such as typhoid fever.
What happens if you get Salmonella?
Contracting salmonella means that enough bacteria have bypassed your stomach acid and immune system to cause illness. Salmonella bacteria invade and harm the cells lining your intestines, making it difficult for your body to absorb water, resulting in stomach cramps. The excess water leaves your body in the form of diarrhea.
Who is at higher risk for Salmonella?
While anyone can get salmonella, certain factors can increase your risk of infection or severe illness. These include age, living conditions, and specific medical conditions or medications.
You're at increased risk if you:
- Live or work around animals known to carry salmonella, such as chickens, ducks, turtles, and lizards.
- Take antacids or have recently used antibiotics, which can weaken your defenses against salmonella.
- Have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which makes you more susceptible to infections.
- Are under the age of 5.
Individuals at higher risk for serious illness from Salmonella include those who:
- Are over 65 years old or under 12 months old.
- Have a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV, chemotherapy, or other illnesses.
- Have sickle cell disease, which increases the risk of rare complications like osteomyelitis from salmonella infection.
How common is Salmonella?
Salmonella is one of the most frequent causes of foodborne illness. Each year in the United States alone, over a million people contract salmonella, leading to approximately 26,500 hospitalizations and about 420 deaths annually.
What are common causes of salmonella outbreaks?
Salmonella outbreaks can be traced to various foods, including peanut butter, processed meats, frozen foods, and produce. Outbreaks from animals can involve pets like turtles, lizards, chickens, hedgehogs, and guinea pigs.
What are the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning?
Symptoms of Salmonella typically appear anywhere from a few hours to several days after exposure to Salmonella bacteria. They affect your gastrointestinal tract and may include:
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Fever
- Stomach pains or cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
You may experience some or all of these symptoms.
What causes salmonella?
Salmonella poisoning is caused by the Salmonella bacteria. When these bacteria overwhelm your body's defenses, they cause an infection leading to symptoms like fever, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.
Salmonella bacteria reside in the intestines of humans and animals, and contamination can occur through:
- Raw eggs and eggshells
- Raw meat, seafood, and poultry
- Fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized milk or cheese
- Untreated water
- Animal fur, feathers, scales, skin, and feces
- Surfaces touched by someone infected with Salmonella bacteria
How do you get Salmonella?
The most common way to contract salmonella is through consuming undercooked food or improperly prepared food, such as:
- Eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs
- Consuming contaminated fruits and vegetables
- Drinking water or milk that is contaminated
- Not washing hands thoroughly during food preparation and eating
Salmonella can also be transmitted from infected animals and people. You can pick up Salmonella bacteria by touching an animal and then inadvertently transferring it to your mouth. Many animals, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, farm animals, and pets, can carry or transmit Salmonella bacteria.
What food is Salmonella found in?
Almost any uncooked food can potentially be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, but most cases of illness stem from consuming undercooked poultry or eggs.
Does Salmonella have a smell?
No, Salmonella bacteria itself does not produce a noticeable odor. Food contaminated with Salmonella typically looks and smells normal.
Is Salmonella contagious?
Yes, salmonella is contagious. You can contract a Salmonella infection from another person or from your pet. Failure to wash hands after using the bathroom or while ill can lead to contaminating surfaces and food, potentially spreading Salmonella to others.
How is Salmonella diagnosed?
Salmonella is diagnosed through tests on your stool (poop), blood, or other samples. Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history.
What tests are used to diagnose Salmonella?
To diagnose salmonella, your healthcare provider may perform the following tests:
- Stool sample: You'll usually collect a sample of your stool at home using a sterile container provided by your provider. A laboratory will then analyze the sample for signs of Salmonella bacteria.
- Blood sample: Your provider will draw blood from your arm with a needle. The blood sample will be cultured in a laboratory to detect Salmonella bacteria.
- Other samples: Depending on your symptoms, your provider might also test other body fluids or tissues, such as urine or samples from wounds or abscesses, for Salmonella.
How is salmonella treated?
In many cases, salmonella infection does not require medication. However, if you are severely ill or at high risk of complications, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics. Hospitalization may be necessary if you have severe diarrhea or are at risk of dehydration.
It's important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Your provider may administer intravenous (IV) fluids if dehydration is severe.
How can I manage the symptoms of Salmonella?
The most effective way to manage salmonella symptoms is to stay hydrated by consuming fluids such as:
- Water
- Sports drinks
- 100% fruit juices diluted with water
- Broth
- Oral rehydration solutions
What are the complications of Salmonella?
While most people recover from salmonella without complications, it's important to be aware of signs indicating more serious illness. Complications may include:
Dehydration:
Failure to replace fluids lost through diarrhea or vomiting can lead to dehydration. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms such as confusion, dark-colored urine or decreased urine output, dizziness, weakness, dry mouth or throat, rapid heart rate, loss of appetite, flushed skin, muscle cramps, chills, or constipation.
Bacteremia/Sepsis:
If salmonella bacteria enter the bloodstream (bacteremia), they can spread to other organs and tissues, causing infections such as inflammation of the bones or joints, or affecting the lining of the brain, heart, or heart valves. Bacteremia can progress to sepsis, a serious condition where the immune system attacks the body. Go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms of sepsis, meningitis, pericarditis, or endocarditis.
Salmonella Osteomyelitis:
Individuals with sickle cell disease are at higher risk for a rare form of salmonella infection called osteomyelitis, which affects the bones. See your healthcare provider if you've had salmonella and experience symptoms such as back or bone pain, difficulty moving due to pain, or swelling, redness, or pus-filled areas on your body.
Reactive Arthritis:
Sometimes the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues while fighting off an illness like salmonella, leading to reactive arthritis. Symptoms may include lower back pain, joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, frequent urination, a burning sensation when urinating, conjunctivitis (pink eye), diarrhea, abdominal pain, mouth sores, or rash.
Key Takeaway:
Salmonella is a widespread bacterial infection known for causing gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea and stomach cramps. While most cases resolve on their own, it's crucial to recognize symptoms early and seek medical attention if necessary, especially for vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Preventative measures such as proper food handling, thorough cooking of meats, and diligent hand hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of contracting salmonella. Awareness of potential complications such as dehydration and more severe infections underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to ensure a swift recovery and prevent serious health consequences.