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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffThere are more than 2,000 varieties of salmonella bacteria, but only about a dozen of them cause illnesses in people. Most of these illnesses can be classified as gastroenteritis, often featuring severe diarrhea. But a few varieties of salmonella bacteria result in typhoid fever, a sometimes deadly disease that is more common in developing countries.
Gastroenteritis
Salmonella-induced gastroenteritis is most often caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs or egg products. The incubation period ranges from several hours to two days. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle pains
- Blood in the stool
Typhoid fever
Most people who develop typhoid fever in the United States have recently traveled in a country where the disease is more common. The incubation period ranges from five to 21 days following infection. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fever over 102 F (38.8 C)
- Slightly raised, rose-colored spots on your upper chest
- Cough
- Mental confusion
- A slowing of your heartbeat
- Enlargement of your liver and spleen
- Fact sheet: Salmonella questions and answers. Food Safety and Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/salmonella_questions_&_answers/index.asp. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Kaye KS, et al. Salmonella infections (including typhoid fever). In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/118188376-3/797294893/1492/1157.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50334-7_14301. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Salmonellosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/salmonellosis_gi.html. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Salmonella enteritidis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/salment_g.htm. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Managing acute gastroenteritis among children: Oral rehydration, maintenance and nutritional therapy. Atlanta, Ga. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=4362&nbr=003287&string=dehydration. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
