Salmonellosis
Description of Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is an infection with Salmonella bacteria. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal cramps 6 to 72 hours after infection. In most cases, the illness lasts 3 to 7 days—most affected persons recover without treatment.
The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness. Some people afflicted with Salmonellosis later experience reactive arthritis, which can have long-lasting, disabling effects.
The type of salmonella usually associated with infections in humans is called Non-Typhoidal Salmonella. It is usually contracted by ingesting raw or undercooked eggs, or from sources such as:
- Poultry and cattle, if the meat is prepared incorrectly or becomes infected with the bacteria somehow.
- Infected eggs and milk, as well as egg products, when not prepared, handled, or refrigerated correctly.
- Reptiles such as turtles, lizards, and snakes, as they can carry the bacteria on their skin.
- Pet Rodents
Another, rarer form of salmonella is called Typhoidal Salmonella. It is only carried by humans and is usually contracted through direct contact with the fecal matter of an infected person. This kind of salmonella infection can lead to typhoid fever. It therefore mainly occurs in countries that do not have proper systems for handling human waste.