Salmonella Infection (Salmonellosis) in Children

Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is an intestinal illness caused by salmonella bacteria. You or your child can be infected by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Contamination occurs when food or water comes in contact with stool from infected people or animals. Beef, pork, chicken, eggs, and unpasteurized milk are more likely to have salmonella than other foods. Salmonella is most often passed through food that hasn’t been cooked enough or that comes into contact with raw meat or eggs. Another main source of salmonella infection is the unwashed hands of someone with the infection. This is often during food preparation, such as in restaurants. Some animals such as domestic reptiles and birds often carry salmonella but are not ill. Touching these animals can pass on salmonella.

What are common symptoms of salmonella infection?

The following symptoms can appear 12 to 72 hours after infection:

Fever
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Nausea

Your child can also be infected and have no symptoms at all.

How is salmonella infection diagnosed?

The healthcare provider examines your child. A stool sample is requested to check for the presence of salmonella. More than one stool sample may be needed. If your child has a fever, blood tests (culture) might be done to fine out if salmonella is the cause.

How is salmonella infection treated?

The illness can last 5 to 7 days.
Medicines that kill bacteria (antibiotics) may be prescribed. But most children get better with no treatment. In some cases antibiotics may make the illness last longer. If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure your child finishes all of the medicine even if symptoms are better.
Don’t give your child medicine for diarrhea unless told to by your child's healthcare provider. It can make the illness last longer and decrease the body’s ability to get rid of salmonella.
Give your child plenty of water or a children’s electrolyte solution to drink. This helps prevent dehydration.
It may take several weeks for the bacteria to clear from your child’s body even after symptoms have gone away.

When to call your child's healthcare provider

Call your child’s healthcare provider or seek medical care right away if your child:

Has severe diarrhea that lasts longer than 2 days
Has bloody diarrhea
Shows signs of dehydration. These include very dark or little urine, excessive thirst, dry mouth, no tears when crying, or dizziness.
Cries and can’t be consoled
Seems very tired, slow-moving, or doesn’t respond (call 911)

How can salmonella infection be prevented?

Man helping girl wash hands in bathroom sink.

Teach your children to wash their hands with soap and warm water to help prevent Salmonella infection.

To prevent your child from passing on a salmonella infection:

Clean your child’s bottom well when changing diapers. Afterward, wash your hands with soap and water. Do the same for your child.
Keep your child home from daycare or school until cleared by the healthcare provider.

To lessen the chances of a salmonella infection in the future:

Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water often. Do this before preparing meals or eating food, after going to the bathroom, or handling pets. Teach your child to do the same.
Use a food thermometer when cooking. Cook poultry to at least 165°F (73.8°C). Cook pork, beef, and lamb cuts to at least 145°F (62.7°C). Cook ground meats to at least 160°F (71.1°C). Cook egg dishes to at least 160°F (71.1°C). Cook single eggs until the yolks are firm, not runny. Wash or peel fruits and vegetables before eating.
Wash cutting boards and utensils with hot water and soap after each use. Clean kitchen counters with bleach or disinfectant.
Typhoid fever is a form of salmonella infection. It may be recommended that travelers be vaccinated against typhoid fever before going to certain areas of the world where there is a high risk of typhoid fever.