What are the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning?
Symptoms of salmonella appear anywhere from a few hours to a few days after exposure to Salmonella bacteria. Symptoms of salmonella affect your stomach and intestines (GI tract) and include:
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody).
- Fever.
- Stomach pains or cramps.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Headache.
You may have some or all these symptoms.
Do you always throw up with salmonella?
No, you don’t always throw up when you have Salmonella poisoning. The most common symptoms are diarrhea and fever, though you do sometimes throw up.
What does salmonella poop look like?
When you have a salmonella, your poop is usually runny and you may have to go a lot. It may have blood in it. Call or visit your healthcare provider if you have blood in your poop.
What causes salmonella?
Salmonella poisoning is caused by the bacteria Salmonella. When more Salmonella bacteria get into your body than it can destroy, you get an infection that causes fever, diarrhea and other stomach (gastrointestinal) issues.
Salmonella bacteria live in the guts of people and animals, but the things we eat, drink and touch can also be contaminated, including:
- Raw eggs and eggshells.
- Raw red meat, seafood and poultry.
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Unpasteurized milk or cheese.
- Untreated water.
- The fur, feathers, scales, skin and poop (feces) of animals and the places they live.
- Surfaces around someone who’s infected with Salmonella bacteria.
How do you get salmonella?
The most common way to get salmonella is from undercooked food or improper food prep, for instance:
- Eating uncooked or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood or eggs.
- Eating contaminated fruits and vegetables.
- Drinking contaminated water or unpasteurized milk.
- Not washing your hands while preparing food and eating.
You can also get salmonella from animals and people who are infected with Salmonella bacteria. You can get Salmonella bacteria on your hands when you touch an animal, then transfer it to your mouth. Almost any animal can have a Salmonella infection or carry Salmonella bacteria on its fur, feathers, scales or skin. This includes:
- Amphibians (frogs and toads).
- Reptiles (turtles, lizards and snakes).
- Birds (chicken, ducks, turkey and wild birds).
- Farm animals (cows, goats, sheep and pigs).
- Pets (dogs, cats, birds and small animals).
What food is Salmonella found in?
Almost any uncooked foods could be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, but most people get sick from uncooked or undercooked poultry or eggs.
Does Salmonella have a smell?
No, Salmonella bacteria doesn’t have a smell. Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria usually smells and looks normal.
Is salmonella contagious?
Yes, salmonella is contagious — you can get a Salmonella infection from another person or even your pet. If you don’t wash your hands after going to the bathroom or while you are sick, you can contaminate surfaces and foods and spread Salmonella to other people.
