Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone of any age can become infected with Salmonella bacteria, but children are at the greatest risk. Children under the age of 5 have higher rates of Salmonella infection compared to other age group. However, others at high risks include:

• Young children,
• older adults,
• and people with weakened immune systems

People typically become infected by eating contaminated food or by having contact with an infected person or animal. Salmonellosis is typically a food-borne illness acquired from contaminated raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, sprouts, and unpasteurized juice.

Fresh fruits and vegetables also can become contaminated with Salmonella. Other sources include contact with infected pets and livestock, such as cats, cattle, reptiles (including turtles, frogs, lizards and snakes), and poultry (including chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys).

Symptoms can include severe diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever, chills, abdominal discomfort (cramps), and occasionally vomiting. The symptoms generally appear one to three days after exposure. Serious bloodstream infections can occur, particularly in the very young or elderly.

Symptoms begin one to three days after being infected. Illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most persons recover without treatment. Young children, the elderly, and those who are immune-compromised, are the most likely to have severe infections.

Passing infection to another person is possible as long as bacteria are being shed in the stool. Anyone, especially a young child, may shed the bacteria for weeks to months. Those who have been treated with oral antibiotics tend to shed the bacteria longer, so use of antibiotics is based on the severity of the illness. Excellent hand washing is helpful in preventing the spread of illness.

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after handling foods, after using the bathroom or changing a baby’s diaper, and after contact with animals.
• Wash and sanitize all cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils after they have touched raw eggs, poultry or meat.
• Thoroughly wash hands after handling raw eggs, poultry or meat and before handling other food products.
• Do not eat raw or undercooked eggs, poultry or meat. Be aware that there may be raw eggs in homemade sauces, salad dressings, and desserts.
• People infected with salmonellosis should avoid cooking or serving food or drinks to others.
  • Never prepare food for other people if you have diarrhea.
• Anyone who handles animals especially baby animals, reptiles and animals with  diarrhea, should wash their hands immediately afterwards. Children who handle animals may require close supervision to ensure that they have washed thoroughly.
  • Avoid direct and indirect contact between reptiles and infants or immunocompromised persons.
• Do not swim in pools or lakes if you have diarrhea.