Salmonella

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes food poisoning. The infection is called salmonellosis. Most cases of salmonella are caused by eating contaminated food. The most common culprits are eggs, poultry, meat and unpasteurized milk or juice. Animals, including snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs and baby chicks, can also be another source of the bacteria.

Salmonella infection causes more hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. than any other foodborne illness. Up to 10 percent of people who get salmonella poisoning have long-term complications, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or reactive arthritis.

Goshen Hospital Emergency Department offers expert treatment if you’re contaminated with salmonella. Our board certified emergency physicians and nurses are committed to offering you exceptional care. We can help you recover from salmonella infection and get back to your life.

When to get care for salmonella symptoms

The signs of salmonella generally begin within 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria and last up to a week. Symptoms of mild to moderate food poisoning include:

• Fever
• Frequent diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pains and cramps

Seek immediate medical care for severe symptoms, including:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Inability to keep liquids down
• Dehydration, which has symptoms such as headache, fatigue, dry mouth, sunken eyes and decreased urine and tear production

If you have a compromised immune system, see a doctor no matter how severe your symptoms.

Our approach to salmonella treatment and prevention

In most cases of salmonella, the infection stays in the intestines and the body clears it without medical treatment. However, salmonella can spread outside the intestines and cause a serious blood infection called septicemia. From the blood, salmonella bacteria can reach and affect other organs. This is usually treated with antibiotics.

If your salmonella infection is severe, rely on our team at Goshen Hospital Emergency Department to stabilize your condition and provide the personalized treatment you need.

Follow these tips for salmonella prevention:

• Avoid high-risk foods, such as unpasteurized milk or juice and raw or undercooked eggs, ground beef, poultry and other foods that may contain them.
• Cook foods thoroughly and use a meat thermometer to ensure a safe internal temperature.
• Refrigerate foods promptly.
• Store raw foods and cooked or prepared foods separately in the refrigerator.
• Wash hands, utensils and work surfaces with soap and water after contact with raw meat or poultry.
• Wash hands after handling animals, their food or living environment.
• Wash hands before preparing food, and don’t prepare or cook food if you are sick.