How can salmonella be transmitted

Salmonella bacteria typically live in animal and human intestines and are shed through feces. Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated water or food. Typically, people with salmonella infection have no symptoms. Others develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps within eight to 72 hours.

Most healthy people recover within a few days without specific treatment. In some cases, the diarrhea associated with salmonella infection can be so dehydrating as to require prompt medical attention.

Life-threatening complications also may develop if the infection spreads beyond your intestines. Your risk of acquiring salmonella infection is higher if you travel to countries with poor sanitation. Salmonella infection is usually caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs or egg products. The incubation period ranges from several hours to two days.

Most salmonella infections can be classified as stomach flu gastroenteritis. Possible signs and symptoms include:. Signs and symptoms of salmonella infection generally last two to seven days. Diarrhea may last up to 10 days, although it may take several months before bowels return to normal. A few varieties of salmonella bacteria result in typhoid fever, a sometimes deadly disease that is more common in developing countries.

Salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of people, animals and birds. Salmonella may also be found in the feces of some pets, and people can become infected if they do not wash their hands after contact with animals. Do you suspect that you have a foodborne or waterborne illness?

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Past U. To report a complaint or adverse event illness or serious allergic reaction , you can. Visit www. Submit Questions Electronically. Get E-mail Updates. This includes:. Raw meat can carry fecal bacteria that was present on the animal before it was slaughtered.

Eggs from a contaminated bird can also carry Salmonella bacteria. Eating raw eggs in particular increases the risk of Salmonella infection. Unwashed fruits and vegetables can carry fecal bacteria as well. Bacteria can infect fruits and vegetables through fertilizer or contaminated water. Bacteria can also come from the waste of animals close to where the fruits or vegetables were grown. Salmonellosis is very contagious. Kissing and sexual activities that expose you to fecal bacteria, such as anal sex, can all make you vulnerable to contracting the bacteria, too.

Putting an object in your mouth that was touched by someone with an active infection can also spread salmonellosis. Salmonellosis symptoms usually last for about four to seven days. A person can still transmit the bacteria for several weeks after symptoms fade, and even several months later.

The North Dakota Department of Health notes about 1 percent of adults and 5 percent of babies who contract Salmonella still have traces of the bacteria in their stool for a year or longer. A study found that Salmonella enteritidis can survive for four days in high enough amounts to still lead to illness. You typically carry Salmonella bacteria in your body for 12 to 72 hours before you show symptoms. Some bacteria may not cause symptoms for months.