Information From Your Health Care Provider

SALMONELLA INFECTION

Basic information

description

Salmonella infection is an illness caused by a bacteria named Salmonella. This is a type of germ sometimes found in food or drinks. The illness can cause symptoms that affect the stomach and the intestines (digestive tract). A group of people may get sick at the same time if they all eat the same infected food at a picnic, a party, or at a restaurant. A mild Salmonella illness may feel like a simple upset stomach for some people.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Diarrhea, often with stomach cramps. Diarrhea is an abnormal increase in the number and looseness of stools or bowel movements a day.
Nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Blood in the stool (sometimes).
Headache.
Some people may have a rash.

causes

Symptoms can start 6 to 72 hours after eating food, such as meat, chicken, or eggs, or drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk or water that contains the Salmonella germs. The germs can stay alive even in frozen foods, but careful cooking will kill them.
The illness can also be passed from person to person.
Pet turtles, lizards, and other pets or animals can carry the germ and cause illness in humans.

risk increases with

Living in a place with many other people, such as a school dorm, or living in a place that is not kept clean.
People older than age 60, young children, and infants.
An illness or the use of certain drugs that can stop your body from fighting off germs.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Keep the kitchen area where you prepare meals very clean. Kill germs on knives and other items you use for cooking by washing them with hot water and soap.
Stay away from pets or animals that might be sick.
Drink only milk that is pasteurized. Avoid raw eggs.
Always wash your hands after you go to the bathroom, before you handle any food, and if you have touched an animal or pet.
Avoid being around someone who has this illness.

expected outcomes

In most cases, the illness is mild and over in 2 to 7 days.

possible complications

Dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting. This can be serious for infants and older persons.
People who have a severe case of this illness or have complications may need treatment in a hospital.
Arthritis can occur weeks after an infection.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider may do a physical exam and may want to have a medical test done on a sample of the stool (bowel movement).
Most patients recover by getting some extra rest and replacing the fluids the body loses (due to the diarrhea).
Keep the ill person away from other people in the house, if possible.

medications

Medicine is not needed for mild cases, but may be prescribed for severe cases and for patients who have other health problems.
Do not use any drugs for the diarrhea unless your health care provider tells you to do so. The diarrhea is the way your body gets rid of the germs.

activity

Rest in bed, except for trips to the bathroom, until the symptoms get better. Then begin your normal routine slowly, day by day.

diet

Replace the fluids lost from the body due to diarrhea with sports drinks such as Gatorade or a special children's product such as Pedialyte. Begin to eat regular food within 12 to 24 hours or when you feel better.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of a Salmonella illness.
An infant has signs of dehydration, such as dry, wrinkled skin, less urine output, or dark urine.
A patient has a fever 102°F (38.9°C) or higher, yellow skin or eyes, cough with blood, or diarrhea gets worse.