Salmonella bacteria can cause a bacterial infection when it is consumed through contaminated food. The bacteria lives in the intestines of animals and humans and is passed through fecal matter. When the feces enters a food or water source and is consumed, it can lead to salmonella infection. Side effects of salmonella include a variety of gastrointestinal issues.
Flu-Like Side Effects
Symptoms of salmonella infection may occur between 12 and 72 hours after exposure reports the Mayo Clinic. Individuals may exhibit several flu-like symptoms, as indicated by the Mayo Clinic. These side effects may include a fever, chills, headache and body aches or pain.
Gastroenteritis
Salmonella infection impacts the digestive tract by producing gastroenteritis issues. These side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that diarrhea may be very watery, persistent and bloody. This can lead to dehydration in the elderly and infants the CDC warns. The CDC also suggests users may recover within a few days but it may be months before their bowels are completely normal.
Reiter's Syndrome
The CDC points out that in a small number of cases, salmonella can infect the blood and lead to Reiter's Syndrome. Symptoms of this health concern include pain in the joints, eye irritation and pain when urinating. The syndrome can last for months or even years. Chronic arthritis, suggests the CDC, may develop from Reiter's Syndrome.
Typhoid Fever
Some strains of the salmonella bacteria can lead to typhoid fever. The Mayo Clinic indicates the symptoms of typhoid fever to include severe diarrhea, constipation, a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, red-colored spots on the chest, coughing, confusion, slowed heart rate and an enlargement of the liver or spleen.
