The 4 Main Symptoms of a Salmonella Infection

A few times a year, you'll start hearing some concerning news about a salmonella outbreak. This bacterial infection is often caused by contaminated water or food products, which means it can affect populations at the same time. On the consumer side, salmonella outbreaks can lead to recalls of products; on the health side, infections can cause illness, hospitalization, and — in rare cases — death, if the infection spreads beyond your intestines. All of which is to say, it's a good idea to keep up with news about salmonella outbreaks and to educate yourself on the symptoms just in case infections start showing up in your area.

When large-scale salmonella outbreaks happen, they're typically reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where you can see stats (like the known number of people and states affected), recall information, and tips on what to do if you think you've been exposed. Recalls are usually implemented by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where you can also find more information about food products related to or causing the outbreak.

Of course, if you think you might have a salmonella infection, the priority will be confirming the diagnosis and starting treatment — which means heading to a doctor, stat. Here are the most common signs and symptoms to look for when it comes to salmonella.

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that primarily affects your intestinal tract. Salmonellosis, the bacteria that cause salmonella infections, reside in the intestines of animals and humans and are shed through feces. Infections occur when the bacteria are ingested, typically through contaminated food or water. Salmonella infections are also extremely common: the CDC estimates that about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths occur in the United States every year due to salmonella.

The main symptoms of a salmonella infection are diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps, according to the CDC. Symptoms typically start six hours to six days after the initial infection and can last for anywhere from four to seven days. To know for sure that you have salmonella (and not another food-related illness or stomach bug), you'll need to get a lab test of your stool (poop) or blood.

Most people who are infected with salmonella usually recover at home in a few days by drinking plenty of fluids. However, elderly people, infants, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a more severe illness.

Though a salmonella infection often clears up at home, it's important to see your doctor if your symptoms are severe or if you're in an area where an outbreak has been reported; they can help you determine the best course of treatment, and you may need an antibiotic to kill the salmonella bacteria and help you recover. Anyone experiencing dehydration due to diarrhea and/or vomiting should go to the hospital to replenish lost fluids. Signs of dehydration include making very little urine, a dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when standing up, according to the CDC.

If you're unsure whether you should see a doctor or not, consider this guidance from the CDC: call or see a doctor if you have diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F, diarrhea for more than three days (that is not improving), bloody stools, prolonged vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down, and signs of dehydration.

Hopefully, some extra rest, fluids, and patience will do the trick.

— Additional reporting by Maggie Ryan