How long can you have salmonella

Salmonella infection is one of many possible causes of gastroenteritis (also known as ‘gastro’). There are thousands of different types of Salmonella bacteria and they occur in many domestic and wild animals, including birds, sometimes causing illness in them. Two specific types of Salmonella can cause typhoid and paratyphoid fever, which causes a different illness to that described below. Typhoid and paratyphoid infections can be serious and are not common in Australia.

Salmonella infection is a notifiable condition 1

How Salmonella is spread

Salmonella infection usually results from ingestion of the bacteria from contaminated food, water or hands. Eggs, milk, meat or poultry are particularly high risk foods. Fruit and vegetables may also be contaminated, especially if manure has been used as fertiliser.

People may become infected if they transfer animal faeces containing Salmonella bacteria from their hands to their mouths, for example, if eating after touching animals and failing to wash their hands.

Person-to-person spread may occur when hands, objects or food become contaminated with faeces from people who are infected and the bacteria are then taken in by mouth by another person.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• fever
• diarrhoea
• loss of appetite
• headache
• stomach cramps
• nausea and vomiting.

Sometimes there may be blood or mucus in the faeces. Dehydration is a serious complication. The illness may be particularly severe in young children, the elderly and people with immune suppression.

A small percentage of people may develop arthritis after having a Salmonella infection.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by growing Salmonella bacteria from a faecal specimen or by detecting Salmonella in a faecal sample using a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test in a pathology laboratory.

Incubation period

(time between becoming infected and developing symptoms)

6 to 72 hours, usually 12 to 36 hours.

Infectious period

(time during which an infected person can infect others)

The faeces are always infectious when symptoms are present. Some people continue to carry Salmonella bacteria in the bowel and shed them in the faeces for months after recovering.

Treatment

Recovery from Salmonella infection usually occurs within a week and antibiotic treatment is not normally required. However, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics for young infants, the elderly and in some other situations. See also Typhoid and paratyphoid.

Gastroenteritis is a common illness, which can be particularly serious in young children.

The following are general recommendations for the treatment of gastroenteritis:

• Give plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solution is highly recommended for children with mild to moderate dehydration. It is available at pharmacies and should be administered following the instructions on the packaging.
• Mildly unwell children should be given their usual fluids more often. Carbonated (fizzy) drinks or undiluted juice should be avoided.
• Medicines to prevent vomiting or diarrhoea should not be given (especially in children), except where specifically advised by a doctor.
• Breastfed babies should continue to be breastfed throughout their illness.
• Children on formula or solid diets should restart their normal diet (including full strength lactose containing milk) following rehydration with oral rehydration solution.
• Children who are hungry or ask for food should be given small portions of their usual foods, but avoid foods high in sugar or fat.

Seek medical advice if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Signs of dehydration, such as thirst and decreased urination, lethargy, dry mouth, feeling faint on standing
• fever
• severe abdominal pain
• bloody diarrhoea.

• Signs of dehydration, such as thirst and decreased urination, lethargy, dry mouth, sunken eyes, feeling faint on standing
• fever
• abdominal pain
• bloody diarrhoea
• any symptoms in a child less than 12 months of age.

Prevention

• Exclude people with Salmonella infection from childcare, preschool, school and work until there has been no diarrhoea for 24 hours. If working as a food handler in a food business, the exclusion period should be until there has been no diarrhoea or vomiting for 48 hours.
• Infants, children and adults with Salmonella infection should not swim until there has been no diarrhoea for 24 hours.
• Cook meat thoroughly, until the juices run clear.
• Do not purchase dirty or cracked eggs.
• Strict food handling procedures should be used when preparing dishes containing raw or incompletely cooked eggs, such as homemade ice cream and mayonnaise.
• Do not consume unpasteurised milk.
• Follow good food handling procedures.
• Follow good hand washing and keeping areas clean procedures.
• Recognise the risk of Salmonella infections in pets. Chickens, ducklings, tropical freshwater fish and turtles are particularly risky for small children.
• Hand washing after handling raw meat, (especially chicken) or raw eggs
• Always wash fruit (including melons) and vegetables before eating. If home grown, wash them before bringing them into the house.
• Infected people who no longer have symptoms should take special care with hand washing if they are involved in food preparation or in caring for patients in hospital, the elderly or children.
• Babies and small children without diarrhoea who are not toilet trained should wear tight fitting waterproof pants or swimming nappies in swimming pools and changed regularly in the change room. When faecal accidents occur, swimming pools should be properly disinfected.

Useful links

1 – In South Australia the law requires doctors and laboratories to report some infections or diseases to SA Health. These infections or diseases are commonly referred to as 'notifiable conditions'.

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is the type of bacteria that’s the most frequently reported cause of food-related illness in the United States. You can’t see, smell, or taste it.

Illness from these bacteria is officially called salmonellosis. It can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, fever, and pain and cramping in your belly. Most people get better on their own at home within 4 to 7 days.

How Common Is Salmonella?

Salmonella infections are very common. When people mention food poisoning, they’re usually talking about salmonella. Tens of millions of cases are reported around the world every year.

In severe cases, you need to go to the hospital. Rarely, it can be life-threatening.

Infections are more common in the summer than the winter. This is because salmonella grows quickly in higher temperatures, when food isn’t refrigerated.

Salmonella Causes

People and animals can carry salmonella in their intestines and their feces. The bacteria often spread through contaminated foods. Common food sources of salmonella infection include:

• Raw and undercooked meat, including chicken, turkey, duck, beef, veal, and pork
• Raw fruits or vegetables
• Unpasteurized milk and other dairy products, including soft cheese, ice cream, and yogurt
• Raw or undercooked eggs
• Processed foods like chicken nuggets and nut butters

You can also get salmonella directly through:

• Poor handwashing. You might pass along the bacteria by not washing your hands well after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.
• Pets. Animals like dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles can carry the bacteria.

Salmonella Risk Factors

Children, especially those under 5, are more likely than adults to get sick from salmonella. Older adults and people with weak immune systems are also more likely to be infected. Other risk factors include:

• International travel. Salmonella is more common in places with poor sanitation.
• Taking certain drugs.Cancer drugs or steroids can weaken your immune system. Antacids lower how much acid is in your stomach, which makes it easier for salmonella to survive there. Antibiotics can kill “good” bacteria in your body and make an infection harder to fight.
• Inflammatory bowel disease. This can damage the lining of your intestines, making it easier for salmonella to take hold.

Salmonella Poisoning Symptoms

Most of the signs and symptoms of a salmonella infection are stomach-related. They include:

Symptoms tend to start 8 to 72 hours after infection. Most symptoms usually don’t last more than a week, but it can take several months for your bowel movements to get back to normal.

When should I call a doctor?

See your doctor if you’re still having general symptoms more than a week after first getting the infection.

A young child, an older adult, or someone who has a weakened immune system should see a doctor if they have any of these symptoms for more than a couple of days:

• Bloody poop
• Ongoing high fever
• Dehydration, when they’ve lost too much fluid. Signs include peeing only in small amounts, a dry mouth, and sunken eyes.

Salmonella Complications

You can become dehydrated if you don’t get enough fluids to replace what you lose because of diarrhea.

A few people who get a salmonella infection also get pain in their joints. You might hear a doctor call it reactive arthritis or Reiter’s syndrome. It can last several months or longer. This condition can also cause pain while peeing and itchy, stinging, or sore eyes.

If the salmonella infection gets into your blood, it can infect other parts of your body, including:

• The tissues around your brain and spinal cord
• The lining of your heart or heart valves
• Your bones or bone marrow
• The lining of your blood vessels

Salmonella Diagnosis

Your doctor may have you take blood tests, or they might ask for a sample of your poop.

Sometimes, they may want to do testing to figure out the exact kind of bacteria you have. This can help health officials trace the source if there’s an outbreak in your area.

Salmonella Treatment

For healthy adults: If you have diarrhea, drink a lot of water and other fluids. Your doctor might suggest that you drink a rehydration liquid like Pedialyte or take a medication like loperamide (Imodium) if your diarrhea is severe.

If your doctor confirms that you have a salmonella infection, they might prescribe antibiotics. Take them exactly as directed, and be sure to finish the prescription.

For children: If your child has a healthy immune system, the doctor might just let the infection run its course. If they have a high fever, you may want to give acetaminophen. As with adults, they should drink lots of water.

In special cases: Infants, the elderly, and people who have weakened immune systems may need antibiotics.

Salmonella Prevention

Salmonella can hide in a variety of foods, but you can do a lot of things to help ensure the bacteria stay away:

• Don’t eat raw or barely cooked eggs or meat.
• Don’t eat or drink anything with unpasteurized milk or juice.
• Don’t wash raw poultry, meat, or eggs before cooking.
• Wash raw fruits and vegetables well, and peel them if possible.
• Don’t prepare food for other people if you’re vomiting or have diarrhea.
• Refrigerate food properly, both before cooking it and after serving it.
• Wash your hands well with soap and warm water before and after handling food.
• Keep kitchen surfaces clean before preparing food on them.
• Don’t mix cooked food with raw food or use the same utensils to prepare them. For example, don’t use the same knife to cut raw chicken and then to slice mushrooms, and use different plates or cutting boards to slice them on.
• Cook meat to its correct minimum temperature. Use a food thermometer to be sure.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after touching animals, their toys, and their bedding.

CDC: “Salmonella,” “Foods That Can Cause Food Poisoning,” “Salmonella and Food,” “Salmonella Questions and Answers.”

World Health Organization: “Salmonella (non-typhoidal).”

Foodsafety.org: “Sneaky Salmonella: It’s Common, Costly, and Preventable.”

Mayo Clinic: “Diseases and Conditions – Salmonella Infection.”

National Health Service (U.K.): “Salmonella infection.”

Kids Health from Nemours: “Salmonella Infections.”

U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service: “Salmonella Questions and Answers.”

FDA: “Think Food Safety and Be Salmonella Safe!”

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that’s infamously spread by eating food infected with the bacteria.

Salmonella infections are highly contagious. They’re also known as salmonellosis. A person, animal, or object carrying the bacteria can all expose you to salmonellosis.

Symptoms of salmonellosis can include:

• losing your appetite
• diarrhea
• cramps in your abdomen
• severe headaches
• chills
• fever
• feeling nauseous
• throwing up
• blood in your poop

Salmonella bacteria cause infections via fecal-oral transmission. This happens when food, water, or objects carrying bacteria from poop, either human or animal, come into contact with your mouth.

Eating raw or undercooked meat is the most common way Salmonella is spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 94 percent of salmonellosis cases result from food. This includes:

Raw meat can carry fecal bacteria that was present on the animal before it was slaughtered. Eggs from a contaminated bird can also carry Salmonella bacteria. Eating raw eggs in particular increases the risk of Salmonella infection.

Unwashed fruits and vegetables can carry fecal bacteria as well. Bacteria can infect fruits and vegetables through fertilizer or contaminated water. Bacteria can also come from the waste of animals close to where the fruits or vegetables were grown.

Some animals can also carry Salmonella bacteria, such as:

• lizards
• turtles
• iguanas
• baby chickens
• hamsters
• gerbils
• pet or wild dogs
• domestic or feral cats

Salmonellosis is very contagious. It can be spread by someone who’s contracted it even if they aren’t showing any symptoms or have undergone successful antibiotic treatment.

Sharing saliva or mouth-to-mouth contact with someone who’s carrying the bacteria can transmit them. Kissing and sexual activities that expose you to fecal bacteria, such as anal sex, can all make you vulnerable to contracting the bacteria, too.

Sharing items that carry the bacteria can also transmit them, including:

• utensils, like forks or spoons
• straws
• cups
• water bottles
• lip balm
• lipstick
• cigarettes
• cigars
• pipes

Putting an object in your mouth that was touched by someone with an active infection can also spread salmonellosis.

Salmonellosis symptoms usually last for about four to seven days. A person can still transmit the bacteria for several weeks after symptoms fade, and even several months later.

The North Dakota Department of Health notes about 1 percent of adults and 5 percent of babies who contract Salmonella still have traces of the bacteria in their stool for a year or longer.

Most Salmonella bacteria live on dry surfaces for up to four hours before they’re no longer infectious. But Salmonella’s survival rate also depends on its species. A 2003 study found that Salmonella enteritidis can survive for four days in high enough amounts to still lead to illness.

You typically carry Salmonella bacteria in your body for 12 to 72 hours before you show symptoms. Some bacteria may not cause symptoms for months.

Once salmonellosis takes hold, you’ll start experiencing symptoms rather suddenly.

The best way to prevent salmonellosis is by taking measures to minimize your exposure to Salmonella bacteria. Do the following to keep yourself from contracting the bacteria. These tips will also avoid transmitting salmonellosis to others if you already have it:

• Don’t share anything with someone who has salmonellosis. Also, don’t share anything of yours that touches your hands or mouth when you have it.
• Don’t kiss or have sex if you or the other person has contracted the bacteria.
• Avoid sharing anything that’s touched your mouth with anyone else until you’re certain you’re no longer carrying the bacteria.
• Wash your hands immediately after handling animals like reptiles, amphibians, livestock like cows and horses, and both feral and pet animals.
• Clean any surface that’s come into contact with raw meat or other raw foods that may carry bacteria.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching raw meat or unwashed fruits and vegetables.
• Don’t drink any raw, unpasteurized, or unpurified liquids, especially milk and water.
• Cook meat, eggs, and other animal productsthoroughly to kill bacteria through heat.
• Refrigerate foods immediately after purchasing or preparing them.
• Check for food recall notices regularly at your local grocery stores. The websites for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control also provide recall information.
• Throw away any food or dump any water that you suspect may be contaminated.

Salmonella is highly contagious. Avoid kissing, touching, and sexual activity until you’re fully clear of the bacteria.

Seek emergency medical attention if you start experiencing symptoms of salmonellosis. Keep seeing your doctor regularly after your symptoms have faded to test for the presence of the bacteria until they’re gone.

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States. Each year, salmonella infections, called salmonellosis, sicken more than 1 million people. Up to 450 die from salmonella poisoning annually.

The common bacteria “can live in many animals, such as livestock, pets, reptiles, and sometimes humans,” says Alan Taege, MD, an infectious diseases specialist at the Cleveland Clinic.

Salmonella can be found in the intestines of animals, especially pigs and poultry, and it is spread through their feces. For example, if contaminated feces get into the water that’s used to irrigate crops, those crops can carry the bacteria to the market. Raw poultry can sometimes be contaminated with the bacteria. It can be spread throughout your kitchen if you don’t wash your hands, cutting board, and any knives or other utensils after you handle raw poultry.

What foods are most likely to become contaminated with salmonella?

Any raw or undercooked animal product can carry salmonella. That includes meat, unpasteurized dairy products like milk and cheese, eggs, and seafood. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts also can become contaminated with salmonella. In recentВ years, the CDC has reported outbreaks associated with particular brands of alfalfa sprouts, pistachios, nut butters, and cucumbers.

How do I know if a food has been contaminated with salmonella, and where can I find a list of recalled products?

You can’t spot salmonella by looking at or smelling food. However, you can keep up to date on reported outbreaks if you are concerned that your food may be contaminated. The CDC and the FDA have information about ongoing and recent outbreaks, including which products consumers should avoid.

What pets can carry salmonella?

Turtles, frogs, lizards, and other reptiles and amphibians often carry salmonella. Because they spread the bacteria through their feces, you can become infected by handling them or cleaning up after them. The same goes for backyard chickens, another common carrier of salmonella. Such pets will not show signs that they have the bacteria, so it’s best to be cautious and act as if they do. Always thoroughly wash your hands after coming into contact with or cleaning up after any potential carriers. Don’t allow them into your kitchen or any rooms where food is stored, prepared, or served.

Salmonella can sicken pets such as cats and dogs, so avoid feeding them raw foods.

Who investigates a salmonella outbreak?

Local government health agencies investigate outbreaks in their areas, such as those traced to a particular restaurant. At the federal level, the CDC and the FDA investigate salmonella outbreaks. The CDC monitors reports of foodborne illness in order to identify outbreaks. Once an outbreak has been declared, the agency traces where it started and alerts the public.

The FDA also keeps tabs on signals that might indicate an outbreak. When one occurs, they coordinate recalls of tainted products in order to stop it. When the outbreak ends, the FDA examines its causes and works on ways to prevent future outbreaks.

What are the symptoms of salmonella poisoning?

“Some people may merely carry the organism in the digestive tract and not be ill, but typically it will cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea -- sometimes with fever,” says Taege.

Other symptoms may include headache, abdominal cramps, and loss of appetite. These symptoms usually start within 12 to 72 hours after infection. They last for 4 to 7 days. However, it can take several months for bowel habits to return to normal. In rare cases, salmonella also can cause reactive arthritis, a type of joint pain that can last months or years and eventually may result in chronic arthritis.

How is salmonella treated?

Usually, salmonella poisoning goes away on its own, without treatment. Drink plenty of fluids in order to stay hydrated if you have diarrhea.

Still, Taege recommends that you call your doctor to talk about your symptoms if you suspect you ate contaminated food. “The bacteria may occasionally enter the bloodstream and cause a more serious infection, he says.

Signs that you should seek medical attention include:

• You remain ill after more than 7 days
• You have severe or bloody diarrhea
• You have a fever of 101.5 F or higher for more than a day

You should also consult a doctor if you are over 65 or have a weakened immune system due to illness, because you may be at risk of more severe symptoms. Children under the age of 5 are also at risk of severe infection. Such cases, as well as those with severe complications, often require antibiotics and, possibly, hospitalization.

Can you die from salmonella?

Salmonella is rarely fatal, but if the bacteria enters your bloodstream, it can be life-threatening, especially for people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, the very young, and those with diseases like cancer and HIV/AIDS.

Can you prevent salmonella?

You can protect yourself against salmonella poisoning in several ways.

• Thoroughly cook poultry, ground beef, and eggs. This kills the bacteria.
• Avoid foods that contain raw eggs or unpasteurized milk.
• Wash your hands, cutting boards and other work surfaces, and knives and other utensils with soap and water right after prepping raw meat or poultry.
• Don’t let raw meat or poultry come into contact with other foods, especially those that don’t require cooking (for example, lettuce, tomatoes, and other raw salad ingredients.

Because salmonella bacteria grow and multiply at room temperature, foods should not be left out of the fridge for more than 2 hours. Lost track of time? “If you believe food has been left out too long, it is best to discard and avoid eating it,” Taege advises.

Can you get salmonella from drinking water?

Yes, you can get salmonella poisoning if you drink contaminated water. For example, it can get into private wells in infected feces from sewage overflows or faulty sewage systems. Polluted storm water and agricultural runoff can also contaminate drinking water. In 2008, for example, water contaminated with salmonella sickened nearly 450 people in Alamosa, CO. One person died.

Can you get salmonella from another person?

Salmonella poisoning can be passed from person to person. If you are infected with salmonella and don’t wash your hands thoroughly after a bowel movement, your dirty hands can pass salmonella along in several ways, including: direct contact with another person, touching a surface that someone else then touches, and preparing food that is served raw or undercooked.

Alan Taege, MD, infectious diseases specialist, Cleveland Clinic.

Elizabeth Scott, PhD, associate professor of biology, co-director of the Center for Hygiene and Health, Simmons College.

CDC: “CDC's Role During Investigations of Multistate Outbreaks Linked to Food or Animal Contact;” “Diseases and Contaminants;” “Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Linked to Peanut Butter, 2008-2009 (FINAL UPDATE);” “Prevention;” “Reports of Selected Salmonella Outbreak Investigations;” and “Take Care with Pet Reptiles;” and “What Is Salmonellosis?”

Cleveland Clinic: “Salmonella.”

Colorado.gov: “Salmonella Outbreak in Alamosa, Colorado, March and April 2008: Executive Summary.”

FDA: “BBB – Salmonella spp;” “FDA’s Advice: Know the Risks of Feeding Raw Foods to Your Pets;” and “Outbreak Investigations.”

Foodsafety.gov: “Sneaky Salmonella: It’s Common, Costly, and Preventable.”

Uptodate.com: “Nontyphoidal Salmonella bacteremia.”

Vermont Department of Health: “Salmonella.”

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes an infection of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In some cases, it can spread to other areas of your body and cause serious illness.

Although most people recover from a Salmonella infection without treatment, it’s possible to become very ill or even die from it.

The CDC estimates that Salmonella infection causes 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths in the United States each year.

Who’s most at risk from Salmonella infection? How do you get the infection, and what are its symptoms? Continue reading as we answer these questions and more.

The following groups are at a higher risk for death or serious complications due to Salmonella infection:

• older adults
• infants and young children
• pregnant women
• people with a compromised immune system due to things like cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, or organ transplants
• individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, sickle cell disease, or kidney disease

Salmonella is a rod-shaped bacteria that can be found in the GI tracts of humans and animals. It’s shed from the body via feces.

Salmonella causes an illness called gastroenteritis, which you may be familiar with as “food poisoning.”

Antibiotic resistance does occur in Salmonella. In fact, between 2009 and 2011, Salmonella isolates —cultures of microorganisms — with resistance to five or more antibiotics accounted for 66,000 infections in the United States!

A specific Salmonella bacterium can also cause typhoid fever, a serious disease that’s more common outside of the United States.

However, this species — Salmonella typhi — is different from the ones that cause gastroenteritis.

The transmission of Salmonella is mostly foodborne. You can get a Salmonella infection through consuming food or drinks that have been contaminated with the bacteria.

Foods that commonly lead to Salmonella infection include:

• raw or undercooked meat, poultry, or seafood
• raw or undercooked eggs or egg products
• raw or unpasteurized dairy products, such as milk or cheeses
• uncooked fruits and vegetables
• contaminated water

These items can be contaminated with feces during the food production or preparation process. Cross-contamination between foods can also occur if they’re stored or served together.

There are a few other ways that you can get Salmonella infection, including:

• person-to-person through the fecal-oral route, which can occur if you don’t wash your hands after using the bathroom
• touching a contaminated object or surface and then touching your face or mouth
• through contact with infected pets or farm animals, particularly reptiles and birds
• by handling contaminated pet foods or pet treats, such as pig ears

Follow the food safety tips below to help reduce your risk of acquiring Salmonella:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Be sure to do this before, during, and after handling food as well as before eating.
• Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
• Cook foods to the proper temperature. In general, to kill Salmonella bacteria, food must be cooked to at least 160 degrees for at least 10 minutes. Use a food thermometer to check the food temperature before eating.
• Avoid cross-contamination. Always keep raw foods that could be contaminated with Salmonella separate from other ready-to-eat foods both in your refrigerator and while preparing food.
• Don’t let food sit out. If you’re not using it, be sure to place it in the refrigerator to prevent the multiplication of bacteria. Also, thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator or in cold water and not on the countertop.

The symptoms of Salmonella typically appear within 3 days of infection. They can include: