Salmonella is a general term for a group of bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. However, if you eat food that is contaminated with this bacteria, you may develop an infection in your small intestine. While in many cases this infection is not serious, you need to take steps to avoid potential complications, and to not contaminate others by handling their food.
Common Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that the most common symptoms of salmonella food poisoning are diarrhea and stomach cramps that are accompanied by a fever. The symptoms tend to occur between 12 and 72 hours after exposure. In most cases the symptoms resolve within a week without treatment.
Additional Symptoms
According to the National Institutes of Health, additional symptoms include nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and chills. You may develop headaches and pass blood in your stool. If your infection goes untreated and gets worse, you may develop severe diarrhea and need to be hospitalized to avoid complications of dehydration. If you suspect you have this condition, your doctor can test your stool to see if the bacteria is present in your body.
Typhoid Fever
The Mayo Clinic states that a rare complication of salmonella poisoning is the development of typhoid fever. It occurs most commonly if you have traveled outside the U.S. to a country that has a higher rate of this disease. It can take as long as 21 days after exposure to develop. Be on the lookout for a fever greater than 102 degrees, mental confusion, raised red spots on your chest and a slow or weak pulse. Typhyoid fever may also cause an enlargement of your liver and spleen.
Severe Symptoms
In rare cases the infection can enter your bloodstream and be transmitted throughout your system. This can be fatal if you do not receive antibiotic treatment right away. Complications are a concern especially in young children, the elderly or those with chronic illness. If your condition gets worse, you may be at a higher risk of meningitis (swelling in the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia (bacteria in your blood). Both of these conditions can be life threatening.
Avoiding Salmonella
You can be exposed if you come into contact with the feces of animals, and then fail to wash your hands properly. Animals such as turtles, lizards, chickens, birds and snakes are more prone to have salmonella. The same is true if you do not wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. You can lower your risk of exposure by staying away from food that has been mishandled such as going unrefrigerated, and by avoiding raw or undercooked eggs, poultry or meat.
