Article of Interest

What Is Salmonellosis? Understanding This Common Bacterial Infection

Salmonellosis is one of the most common foodborne illnesses in the United States. Understanding how it spreads, who is most at risk, and practical prevention steps can help protect you and your family.

Salmonellosis is an infection caused by Salmonella bacteria. These bacteria live in the intestines of animals and humans and are most often spread through contaminated food. While most healthy people recover within a few days to a week, the infection can become serious in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

How Common Is Salmonellosis?

According to CDC estimates, nontyphoidal Salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections in the United States each year, leading to about 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths. Many mild cases are never diagnosed, so the true number is likely higher. Infections tend to peak in the warmer months.

Young children (especially those under age 5), adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of severe illness and complications.

Common Symptoms

The classic symptoms of salmonellosis include:

• Diarrhea (sometimes watery or bloody)
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps or stomach pain
• Nausea and occasional vomiting

Symptoms typically begin 6 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food or coming into contact with the bacteria and usually last 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without specific medical treatment.

Possible Long-Term Effects

The large majority of people recover fully. However, a small percentage may develop reactive arthritis (formerly called Reiter’s syndrome) weeks after the infection. This can cause joint pain, eye inflammation, and urinary symptoms that sometimes persist for months or longer. People who carry the HLA-B27 genetic marker appear to be at higher risk for this complication. Antibiotic treatment of the original infection does not prevent reactive arthritis.

In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause more serious illness that requires hospitalization.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is confirmed through laboratory testing of a stool sample. Many other illnesses produce similar symptoms, so testing is the only reliable way to identify Salmonella.

Treatment is primarily supportive. The most important step is preventing or treating dehydration through oral rehydration solutions or, in more severe cases, intravenous fluids. Antibiotics are generally not recommended for uncomplicated infections in healthy people because they do not shorten the illness significantly and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics may be considered for high-risk individuals or when the infection has spread beyond the intestines.

How Do People Get Salmonella?

The bacteria live in the intestinal tracts of many animals. People most commonly become infected by eating contaminated food. Common sources include:

• Undercooked poultry, eggs, or ground meat
• Unpasteurized milk or dairy products
• Produce that has been contaminated with animal feces
• Cross-contamination in the kitchen (raw meat juices on cutting boards or utensils)
• Contact with pets — especially reptiles, amphibians, and young birds — or their environments

Contaminated food often looks and smells completely normal.

Practical Prevention Strategies

Simple daily habits dramatically reduce the risk of salmonellosis:

• Cook poultry, ground meats, and eggs thoroughly (poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F)
• Avoid raw or undercooked eggs and unpasteurized dairy products
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw meat, eggs, or pets
• Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods
• Wash produce under running water before eating or preparing
• Clean and sanitize cutting boards, knives, and countertops after contact with raw animal products
• Wash hands after touching reptiles, amphibians, or baby birds and their habitats

There is currently no vaccine available for nontyphoidal Salmonella for the general public.

Supporting Immune and Gut Resilience

A well-functioning immune system and healthy gut barrier help the body respond more effectively to everyday challenges, including foodborne pathogens. Nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and beneficial probiotics play supportive roles in immune and digestive wellness when combined with good overall nutrition, sleep, and hygiene.

Explore our Immune System Support Collection and Probiotics & Gut Health Products for quality options that complement a healthy lifestyle.

Founder Perspective

Our educational articles are written to help you better understand specific nutrients, lifestyle strategies, and common health topics through clear, evidence-informed information — so you can make more confident decisions for yourself and your family.

Key Health Takeaways

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or wellness regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.