Salmonella (Salmonellosis)
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacteria that can make you sick when you eat food contaminated with it. The illness is called salmonellosis or salmonella infection, and it's very common. There are over a million cases of salmonella infection in the United States each year, according to the CDC. Symptoms include an upset stomach, diarrhea, fever, and pain and cramping in your belly. Most people get better on their own at home within 3 to 7 days.
Salmonella vs. E. coli
Salmonella and E. coli are similar kinds of bacteria, but they belong to different families. They differ in their sources and severity.
Salmonella. You can get this through undercooked poultry, eggs, meat, and sometimes produce. It can also be spread through contact with infected animals, like reptiles and birds.
E. coli. This bacteria can be found in contaminated beef, unpasteurized milk and juice, and produce. It can also be spread by feces (poop) from humans and animals.
Symptoms. Both cause digestive issues like diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, cramps, and nausea.
Severity. Both can cause unpleasant illness. But certain strains of E. coli can lead to more serious health problems and complications, like kidney failure.
Salmonella Causes
People and animals can carry salmonella in their intestines and their feces. The bacteria often spread through contaminated foods. Common food sources of salmonella infection include:
- Raw and undercooked meat, including chicken, turkey, duck, beef, veal, and pork
- Raw fruits or vegetables
- Unpasteurized milk and other dairy products, including soft cheese, ice cream, and yogurt
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Processed foods like chicken nuggets and nut butters
You can also get salmonella directly through:
- Poor handwashing. You might pass along the bacteria by not washing your hands well after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.
- Pets. Animals like dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles can carry the bacteria.
Salmonella in chicken
Chicken is one of the biggest sources of salmonella infection. According to the CDC, one in 25 packages of chicken at the grocery store have salmonella in them. You can get salmonella from chicken if it’s not cooked properly, or if juice from raw chicken gets on a surface and food you eat touches it.