Salmonella is a single-cell microorganism, or bacterium, which is invisible, odorless and tasteless. Salmonella poisoning causes symptoms such as gastrointestinal diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever as the salmonella bacteria travel through the body. Timing and duration of symptoms vary from person to person depending on the specific type of salmonella ingested. Sources of salmonella food poisoning include undercooked meat, eggs, unwashed vegetables, dairy products and unpasteurized nuts.
Diarrhea
In an analysis after a salmonella outbreak in Alabama, clinical records indicate that a symptom common to all persons poisoned by salmonella was diarrhea. One hundred percent of all patients hospitalized complained of profuse or watery diarrhea. The clinical report, published in the "Southern Medical Journal," indicates that once ingested, the salmonella bacteria colonized in the colon and diarrhea occurred within six to 48 hours after ingestion. Symptoms can last from two to seven days. Consult a doctor about preventing dehydration or if there is blood in the stool.
Abdominal Cramps or Vomiting
Abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting vary from person to person, but might begin within six hours after ingestion. Abdominal cramps are a common symptom of salmonella poisoning; if they are acutely painful, consult a doctor. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the symptoms can last from four to seven days. Vomiting is usually not severe; if it is, consult a doctor.
High Fever
One primary symptom of acute onset salmonella includes fever with loss of appetite. When the salmonella enters the gastrointestinal tract, the body reacts with a high fever and chills. If the fever remains above 101 degrees Fahrenheit longer than a day, consult a doctor.
References
- Southern Medical Journal: Clinical Presentation and Treatment of a Salmonella bredeney Epidemic in Shelby County, Alabama
- Centers of Disease Control: Diagnosis and Management of Foodborne Illnesses
- Science jrank.org: Typhoid Fever - How Salmonella Typhi Is Spread, Progression And Symptomatology, Treatment, Prevention - Diagnosis
