What is it?

Salmonella sp. is a bacterium that causes intestinal (gut) infection.

How do I know if someone has it?

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting

Is it infectious?

The organism colonises the intestines of many domestic and wild animals, which are ultimately the source of human infections. Poultry is particularly important, especially undercooked chicken. Cross contamination of other food items may occur via work surfaces or kitchen utensils. Transmission can also occur from raw and undercooked eggs, undercooked poultry and meat and raw milk.

• Salmonella is the second most common form of food poisoning

What is the incubation period?

Symptoms usually begin 12 - 48 hours after eating contaminated food and can be much more severe in the young and elderly.

What should I do if someone has the illness?

Most people will get better with no treatment. For some infections antibiotics may even increase the length of the illness. At first, the infected person should drink plenty of clear fluids and try not to eat. Water, non fizzy fruit drinks or tea without milk are good. If the symptoms persist, or there is blood in the diarrhoea, the person should contact their GP. Medical advice can also be obtained from NHS Direct.

How can spread be avoided?

Personal hygiene should be very strict. Everyone should wash their hands with warm, soapy water after going to the toilet and before handling food. The toilet should be kept clean, including the seat and handle.

How soon can someone return to school/work?

People should stay away from school or work until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours. Those who handle food as part of their work should check with their employers and GP before returning.

For further information the websites below may be of interest.

Date Published: 28/03/08