Certain bacteria in the group Salmonella cause salmonella food poisoning. These bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals. Infection can happen when food or water that has been contaminated with infected feces is ingested.

Eating food or drinking any liquid contaminated with certain species of Salmonella bacteria causes salmonella food poisoning. This usually happens from eating raw foods or prepared foods that have been handled improperly.

Salmonella may be spread if a person doesn’t properly wash their hands after using the toilet. It can also be spread by handling pets, especially reptiles and birds. Thorough cooking or pasteurization kills Salmonella bacteria. You’re at higher risk when you consume raw, undercooked, or unpasteurized produce.

Salmonella food poisoning is commonly caused by:

  • undercooked chicken, turkey, or other poultry
  • undercooked eggs
  • unpasteurized milk or juice
  • contaminated raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts

A number of factors can increase your risk of salmonella infection, including:

  • someone you live with currently has salmonella food poisoning
  • having a pet reptile or bird (they can carry Salmonella)
  • living in group housing such as dorms or nursing homes, where you’re regularly exposed to many people and food preparation by others
  • traveling to countries where sanitation is low
  • having a weakened immune system

The symptoms of salmonella food poisoning often come on quickly, usually within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms may be severe and can last for up to 48 hours.

Typical symptoms during this stage include:

  • abdominal pain, cramping, or tenderness
  • chills
  • diarrhea
  • fever
  • muscle pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • signs of dehydration (such as decreased or dark-colored urine, dry mouth, and low energy)
  • bloody stool

Dehydration caused by diarrhea is a serious concern, especially in children and infants. The very young can become severely dehydrated in just one day.

In order to diagnose Salmonella, your doctor will first perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history.

They’ll ask about things like:

  • your symptoms
  • how long you’ve had them
  • whether you have any underlying conditions

If they suspect Salmonella, they’ll test a stool sample. They may also test for the presence of Salmonella bacteria in your blood if they suspect you have a complication such as bacteremia.

Where possible, doctors will perform susceptibility testing on the bacteria that’s causing your infection before prescribing an antibiotic. This can help them determine which medication may be most effective.

For healthy people, symptoms should go away within 4 to 7 days. However, the bacteria can stay in the body longer.

This means that even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms anymore, you can still transmit the bacteria to other people.

To help prevent salmonella food poisoning:

  • Handle food properly. Cook foods to recommended internal temperatures, and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
  • Clean counters before and after preparing high-risk foods.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly (especially when handling eggs or poultry).
  • Use separate utensils for raw and cooked items.
  • Keep foods refrigerated before cooking.
  • If you own a reptile or bird, wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling.

People who have salmonella and work in the food service industry should not return to work until they’ve been free from diarrhea for at least 48 hours.