{"id":1076,"date":"2016-01-25T15:30:15","date_gmt":"2016-01-25T20:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/?page_id=1076"},"modified":"2025-08-07T18:55:43","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T22:55:43","slug":"salmonellosis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/epidemiology\/epidemiology-fact-sheets\/salmonellosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Salmonellosis"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What is salmonellosis?<\/h2>\n

Salmonellosis is a disease caused by bacteria called Salmonella<\/em>. It usually affects the intestine (bowels) and causes an illness that lasts several days to a week. If the Salmonella <\/em>bacteria spread to the blood, a more serious illness develops.<\/p>\n

Who gets salmonellosis?<\/h2>\n

Any person can get salmonellosis, but it is identified more often in infants and children. Infants, adults aged 65 years or older, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe illness.<\/p>\n

How are Salmonella<\/em> bacteria spread?<\/h2>\n

People can get infected with Salmonella <\/em>after swallowing the bacteria. The bacteria can be found in the feces (stool) of animals raised for food (such as poultry, pigs, cows), animals kept as pets (such as lizards, turtles, chicks, ducklings, dogs, and cats), and infected people. The feces can then contaminate raw meats, chicken, eggs, unpasteurized milk and cheese products and other foods, and people can get sick from eating these contaminated foods. Infected persons can spread the bacteria if they do not wash their hands well after going to the bathroom or after touching animals and then touching something (e.g., food, toys) that other people put in their mouth.<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of salmonellosis?<\/h2>\n

Symptoms of salmonellosis include watery diarrhea that might have blood or mucus and stomach cramps that can be severe. Some people may also experience headaches, nausea, and loss of appetite.<\/p>\n

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?<\/h2>\n

Symptoms of salmonellosis usually appear withing 12 to 36 hours after exposure but can develop anywhere from six hours to three days or more after exposure.<\/p>\n

How is salmonellosis diagnosed?<\/h2>\n

Salmonellosis is diagnosed by laboratory testing of feces (stool).<\/p>\n

What is the treatment for salmonellosis?<\/h2>\n

Most people with salmonellosis recover without treatment. Persons with diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics and anti-diarrhea drugs are generally not recommended for mild to moderate illnesses. Persons with severe salmonellosis may require admission to a hospital for intravenous (I.V.) fluids and antibiotics.<\/p>\n

How can salmonellosis be prevented?<\/h2>\n

Hand Hygiene<\/h3>\n