What is salmonellosis?

Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. They are microscopic living creatures that live in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals, including birds. There are many different species of Salmonella bacteria, named after the scientist who discovered them.

How is the illness spread?

Salmonella bacteria are passed from the feces of people or animals to other people or animals. It can be transmitted to humans by eating foods or drinking water contaminated with animal feces. Infected food handlers who do not wash their hands after using the bathroom can spread the bacteria to food. Pets, especially reptiles such as turtles and iguanas, can transmit salmonella through their feces and may not show any signs of illness.

What are the symptoms?

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after ingestion. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment. However, in some people the diarrhea is so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream and can cause death unless treated with antibiotics. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

How is salmonellosis diagnosed?

Many kinds of organisms can cause diarrhea, fever or cramps. Determining that Salmonella is the cause depends on laboratory tests that identify Salmonella in the stools of an infected person.

What is the treatment?

Most infections resolve in less than a week and do not require treatment unless the patient becomes severely dehydrated or the infection spreads from the intestines. In severe cases, rehydration with intravenous fluids and/or antibiotic therapy are necessary.

How can salmonellosis be prevented?

There is no vaccine to prevent salmonellosis. Since foods of animal origin may be contaminated with Salmonella, people should not eat raw or undercooked eggs, poultry or meat or drink unpasteurized milk. Produce needs to be washed thoroughly. All food preparation surfaces, utensils and hands should be thoroughly cleaned with hot, soapy water after contact with raw animal products. Hands should be thoroughly washed after changing diapers, going to the bathroom, and after handling live animals. Do not drink untreated water.

For further information, contact the Broward County Health Department at (954) 467-4806.