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Salmonella Infections
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Salmonella Infections

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that serves as a common cause of foodborne illness in the United States, typically transmitted through contaminated food or contact with certain animals.

Overview

Salmonella is the name of a group of bacteria. In the United States, it is a common cause of foodborne illness. The bacteria occur in raw poultry, eggs, beef, and sometimes on unwashed fruit and vegetables. You also can get infected after handling pets, especially reptiles like snakes, turtles, and lizards.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include:

  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Headache
  • Possible nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite

Diagnosis and Treatment

Symptoms usually last 4-7 days. Your health care provider diagnoses the infection with a stool test. Most people get better without treatment. However, infection can be more serious in older adults, infants, and people with chronic health problems. If Salmonella gets into the bloodstream, it can be serious, and the usual treatment is antibiotics.

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever, a more serious disease caused by Salmonella, is not common in the United States but frequently occurs in developing countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Symptoms typically begin 6 hours to 6 days after exposure, though they can appear as late as 30 days. For most healthy individuals, the illness is self-limiting and lasts between 4 to 7 days. However, if the infection spreads to the bloodstream or affects a high-risk individual, symptoms may persist longer and require antibiotic treatment.
Yes, reptiles such as turtles, snakes, and lizards frequently carry Salmonella bacteria in their intestines and shed it in their feces, even if they appear healthy. To prevent transmission, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the animal or cleaning its enclosure. Avoid kissing the animal, and do not allow young children or immunocompromised individuals to handle reptiles.
You should seek immediate care if you experience signs of severe dehydration, such as dizziness, fainting, or very dark urine, or if you have blood in your stool. Additionally, immediate medical evaluation is critical if you are an infant, an older adult, or have a weakened immune system, as these groups are at higher risk for the bacteria entering the bloodstream, which can be life-threatening.
Raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, and beef are the most common sources, as are unwashed fruits and vegetables and unpasteurized milk or juices. To reduce risk, cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensure eggs are fully cooked, wash produce thoroughly under running water, and keep raw meat separate from other foods on your cutting board and in your refrigerator.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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