Signs Of Salmonella Poisioning From Peanut Butter

Salmonella is a type of bacterial infection that occurs due to eating contaminated food. Although salmonella is most commonly contracted due to eating undercooked meats or eggs, the bacteria can also contaminate peanut butter, "Scientific American" explains. Once the bacteria gets into the peanut butter, it can survive for an extended time and can result in salmonella outbreaks.

Gastrointestinal Upset

One of the most common signs of a salmonella infection is upset of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common symptom that this causes is diarrhea. In mild cases of salmonella poisoning, the diarrhea will not be bloody or be particularly large in volume but it will occur several times a day, the law firm MarlerClark explains. In more severe cases, the diarrhea will be high in volume and may be streaked with blood or mucous. Patients suffering from salmonella may also experience abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting.

Fever

Another sign of salmonella is a fever. For mild cases of salmonella, the fever is between 100 and 102 degrees F. A fever which is above 102 may be a sign of a more serious form of salmonella known as typhoid fever, MayoClinic.com explains.

Muscle Pain

Muscle and joint pain is another common symptom of salmonella. The problems with the muscles and joints may last for up to seven days, MarlerClark notes, whereas the fever and diarrhea typically go away within 72 hours.

Chest Spots

Salmonella infections can also take the form of typhoid fever, which is a much more serious condition. One of the signs of typhoid fever is the development of rose colored spots on the chest, which are slightly raised. These spots typically occur after between five and 21 days have passed since eating the contaminated peanut butter.

Spleen And Liver Enlargement

Typhoid fever can also cause the liver and spleen to become enlarged, MayoClinic.com explains. Normally the liver is difficult to feel under the ribs, but if it becomes enlarged due to typhoid fever it can be more easily palpated. An enlarged spleen can also be dangerous because when the spleen swells it can be ruptured easily by trauma, resulting in massive internal bleeding.