Salmonellosis
What is salmonella?
Salmonella are naturally occurring bacteria found in the intestines of animals, particularly poultry, cattle and swine. Salmonella can contaminate meat, eggs, dairy and raw fruits and vegetables.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of salmonella infection may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, fever and headache. These symptoms usually occur six to 72 hours after eating contaminated food, and can last a few days to a week. Most people recover without treatment. Some people may become more seriously ill with bloodstream infections and severe dehydration.
Other people infected may not get sick or show symptoms, but they can carry the bacteria, and spread the infection to others.
What do I do if I think I have salmonella?
Most healthy people get better without treatment. Ill people should drink plenty of fluids and watch for dehydration. Signs and symptoms of dehydration should be reported to your health care provider. Sometimes intravenous fluids are needed if the diarrhea and vomiting are severe even in healthy people.
Over the counter medications to stop the diarrhea are not recommended, as they slow the body's natural defences and may cause the symptoms to worsen.
If symptoms persist for longer than a few days or are unusually severe (for example more than 6-8 loose stools per day), sick people should promptly see a doctor.
While most people recover without treatment, others (infants, older or frail adults and people with weakened immune systems) may require hospitalization and/or antibiotics. People at highest risk of severe infection include:
- young children;
- older (over age 50 ) or frail adults;
- people with certain chronic illnesses (e.g., cancer, diabetes, heart disease, heart valve problems, prostheses, kidney or liver disease or failure); or
- people with weakened immune systems (steroids, chemotherapy, HIV infection).
Such people should always see their doctor or call telehealth if they think they have symptoms of salmonella.
If you have symptoms compatible with salmonella infection, call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007) or contact your family physician or health care provider.
Last reviewed: August 24, 2010