Salmonella Causes & Risk Factors

The salmonella bacterium, salmonella enteritidis, infects animals' and humans' intestines. People generally are sick with a salmonella infection for four to seven days, according to the Mayo Clinic.
  1. Causes

    • The salmonella virus is often spread through chicken eggs, chicken, seafood, fruit and vegetables. People who eat uncooked chicken or unwashed fruits or vegetables are more at risk for getting a salmonella infection than people who do not.

    Risk Factors

    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the groups that are most at risk for developing a salmonella infection are infants, elderly individuals and people with a weakened immune system, such as those suffering from AIDS. People who have pets and/or have stomach problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, are also at risk for getting a salmonella infection.

    Symptoms

    • The salmonella virus causes symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, vomiting, muscle aches and/or abdominal pain. People usually show signs of having a salmonella infection between 12 and 72 hours after contracting the salmonella bacterium, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Considerations

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, people with a salmonella infection are at risk for becoming dehydrated and/or developing reactive arthritis. The infection can spread to other bodily tissues, including those in the heart, brain and bones.

    Identification

    • Doctors often perform a blood test or take a stool sample to find out if a person has been infected with the salmonella bacterium.

    Treatment

    • A salmonella infection is generally treated with antidiarrheals, such as Imodium, or antibiotics.

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