Understanding Salmonella: A Guide to its 10 Symptoms

Salmonella or salmonellosis is an illness of the gastrointestinal tract caused by Salmonella bacteria. It is one of the most common types of food poisoning, which people usually contract by consuming contaminated food or water. The bacteria are common in meat, eggs, and poultry, and some pets carry Salmonella and pass it to their owners. Over one million people each year develop salmonellosis. Serious complications are relatively rare, but salmonella causes approximately 450 deaths annually in the United States. S. typhimurium is a type of salmonella that causes typhoid fever.

1. Symptom Onset

Most people who contract a salmonella infection do not become ill. If they are affected, their symptoms will begin six to 96 hours after exposure. The combined symptoms of a salmonella infection cause gastroenteritis or inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which typically lasts four to seven days. Most people recover without medical intervention, but sometimes the infection causes complications, particularly if the individual has a compromised immune system or underlying illness.