Salmonella infection
How do you get infected with salmonella?
You usually get salmonella by eating contaminated food. Salmonella bacteria live in the gut of many farm animals and can affect meat, eggs, poultry and milk. Other foods like green vegetables, fruit and shellfish can become contaminated through contact with manure in the soil or sewage in the water.
Contamination is also possible if raw and cooked foods are stored together. Most tortoises and terrapins and other pet reptiles can also carry salmonella. Dogs, cats and rodents can occasionally become infected.
It is impossible to tell from its appearance whether food is contaminated with salmonella. It will look, smell and taste normal.
Salmonella can be spread from person to person by poor hygiene, by failing to wash your hands properly after going to the toilet, or after handling contaminated food.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
NHS Choices information on salmonella infection, with links to other useful resources
What are the symptoms and how long do they last?
Symptoms include diarrhoea , stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever. On average, it takes from 12 to 72 hours for the symptoms to develop after swallowing an infectious dose of salmonella.
Who gets salmonella?
Anyone can get salmonella, but young children, the elderly and people who have immune systems that are not working properly (including people with cancer, AIDS or alcoholism) have a greater risk of be
How do you get infected with salmonella?
You usually get salmonella by eating contaminated food. Salmonella bacteria live in the gut of many farm animals and can affect meat, eggs, poultry and milk. Other foods like green vegetables, fruit a
How can you avoid getting infected with salmonella?
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water: before preparing and eating food after handling raw food after going to the toilet or changing a baby's nappy after contact with pets and othe
How do you treat salmonella?
It is important to drink plenty of fluids as diarrhoea or vomiting can lead to dehydration and you can lose important sugars and minerals from your body. Your doctor may recommend a rehydration soluti
Do you need to stay off work or school?
Yes. While you are ill and have symptoms, you are infectious. Children and adults should stay away from nursery, school or work for 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped. You should tell your empl
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