Salmonellosis

WHAT IS IT?

Salmonellosis is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. Salmonellosis is estimated to cause 1.2 million foodborne illnesses in the United States, 19,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths each year. Salmonellosis infections are more common in the summer than winter.

People become infected with salmonellosis by swallowing the bacterium. This can happen from:

• Drinking contaminated water.
• Eating contaminated food that has not been completely cooked, or was contaminated after it was prepared.
• From person to person if an infected person does not properly wash his/her hands after using the toilet.
• Contact with animals: including poultry, reptiles, swine, cattle, rodents, pets and their feces.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Generally develop 12-72 hours after becoming infected and can last from 4-7 days.