Salmonella Characteristics

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Salmonella can live in soil, water, eggs, raw meat and animal feces. Approximately 50,000 salmonella infections are reported in the United States annually.

Background

• Salmonella is a group of rod-shaped bacilli. Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium account for half of all infections in humans.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a salmonella infection include headache, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

Time Frame

• People who are infected with salmonella generally develop symptoms within 12 to 72 hours and recover within four to seven days.

Complications

• Some people may experience diarrhea so severe they must be hospitalized. Salmonella infections can occasionally spread to the bloodstream and to other body sites; this can cause death if the infected person is not given antibiotics.

Prevention

• Cook eggs, poultry, and meat thoroughly, and wash produce. Wash your hands after handling animals, especially reptiles and birds.