Salt Lake Valley Health Department
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Bureau of Epidemiology
Bureau of Epidemiology
610 South 200 East #218
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
385-468-4222
Salmonellosis Fact Sheet
(Salmonella)
What is salmonellosis?
- A bacterial infection that generally affects the intestinal tract and occasionally the bloodstream.
- One of the more common causes of stomach upset and diarrhea.
- Over 2000 types of Salmonella have been identified.
- Most cases occur in the summer months.
Who gets salmonellosis?
- Any person can get salmonellosis.
- Elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
How are salmonella bacteria spread?
- By eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- By contact with infected people or animals.
- Person-to-person spread.
What are the symptoms of salmonellosis?
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
One to three days after exposure.
Where are salmonella found?
- Widely distributed in food and environment.
- Germs often contaminate raw poultry, eggs, unpasteurized milk, cheese products, nuts, and fresh produce.
- Reptiles, pet turtles and all birds especially chicks.
How long can an infected person carry the salmonella germ?
- Usually lasts 4 to 7 days.
- The carrier stage (symptoms are gone but bacteria are still present in the stool) varies from several days to many months.
- Infants and those treated with oral antibiotics tend to carry the germ longer than others.
Do infected people need to be isolated or excluded from work or school?
- People with active diarrhea who are unable to control their bowel habits (infants, young children, certain handicapped individuals) should be isolated.
- People may return to work or school when stools become formed if they carefully wash their hands after each toilet visit.
- Food handlers, health care workers and children in day care must obtain approval of the local or state health department before returning to routine activities.
What is the treatment for salmonellosis?
- Most people recover on their own.
- Fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Antibiotics and anti-diarrheal drugs are generally not recommended for typical cases with intestinal infections.
- Those with severe illness should seek medical care.
How can salmonellosis be prevented
- Wrap fresh meats in plastic bags at the market to prevent blood from dripping on other foods.
- Refrigerate foods promptly; minimize holding at room temperature.
- Cutting boards and counters used for preparation should be washed immediately after use to prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
- Avoid consuming raw eggs, milk and undercooked foods.
- Encourage careful hand washing always and especially before and after food preparation, after handling pets or changing diapers.