Salmonella is a general term for food poisoning caused by approximately 2,000 types of related bacteria. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, there are an estimated 1.4 million cases of salmonella in the United States each year. Usually caused by eating foods that are contaminated with animal feces, salmonella can also be transmitted through contact with pets and from person to person by way of unwashed hands.
Incubation and Onset
Persons who have contracted salmonella typically become ill within 12 to 72 hours of exposure. According to the Mayo Clinic, typical early symptoms of salmonella poisoning are fever, diarrhea and cramping of the abdomen and can be easily mistaken for influenza symptoms.
Symptoms and Duration
Patients with salmonella display nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool and abdominal cramping as well as muscle pains, headache, fever and chills. The symptoms typically last for four to seven days and usually do not require medical attention.
Complications and Treatments
Because of the vomiting and diarrhea symptoms, patients with salmonella poisoning are at risk of dehydration and may require medical attention if they become severely dehydrated. In addition, if the salmonella infection spreads beyond the intestinal tract the patient may develop life-threatening complication such as infection in the blood stream; your doctor may require a stool or blood sample to confirm salmonella infection and complications. Antidiarrheal medications and antibiotics may be prescribed.
