Salmonella is a bacteria that causes an intestinal flu. In most cases, children contract the illness through eating contaminated food. It can be found in some raw meats and eggs, as well as the feces of some animals like reptiles, chickens and cows. According to the CDC, there are 40,000 cases of salmonella infections in the United States each year. Rates of salmonella infection in children under age five are five times higher than in adults. The symptoms can be mild and the illness can often go undiagnosed. Knowing if a child is infected with salmonella is important in preventing the spread of it.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Children infected with salmonella begin to have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea within about 6 to 72 hours after being exposed to the germ. As opposed to other causes of food poisoning and the stomach flu where children have short-lived episodes of just vomiting, salmonella infections always cause diarrhea too. This is due to the bacterial particles attaching to the intestinal lining and not just the lining of the stomach. The diarrhea often contains streaks of blood and mucous, but in some cases the diarrhea is mild and watery. These symptoms usually last between one and three days but occasionally can continue for up to a week.
Abdominal Cramps
The abdominal cramps can be quite severe and younger children with limited language skills may be unusually fussy and hard to console. The cramps may be temporarily relieved by having a bowel movement, only to return soon after.
Fever
Not all cases of salmonella in children cause fever, but in children who have stomach flu symptoms and a fever, salmonella should be considered. The younger the child with salmonella, the more likely he or she is to have a fever with the illness.
Dehydration
Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration, especially in toddlers and babies. In these cases, children will stop wetting diapers, will stop crying tears, and will become lethargic. Other symptoms may include dry, cracked lips, hollow eyes and a racing heartbeat.
Symptoms of Complications
Most cases of salmonella stay isolated to the intestines, and according to a 2008 review article in "Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America" most cases do not require medical intervention and go away on their own within five to seven days. In some cases, however, the salmonella germs enter the bloodstream and cause high fever, extreme lethargy, and in rare instances, death. Infants and children with a low immune system who become infected with salmonella are the most at risk for developing a bloodstream infection.
References
- Centers for Disease Control: Salmonellosis
- "Emergency Clinics of North America"; Foodborne Illness; D Pigott; May 2008
