Salmonella are pathogenic bacteria that cause problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Find out here which symptoms are typical of salmonella poisoning.
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What is salmonella?
Salmonella are bacteria that mainly find their way into the human gastrointestinal tract via food. However, the intestinal bacteria are also transmitted from person to person or animal to person by means of smear infection if there is insufficient hygiene, which is why an outbreak often affects the entire family. Among the foods most commonly contaminated with Salmonella are undercooked eggs and products that contain them, such as mayonnaise or raw cookie dough. Ice cream, raw meat and sausage products such as salami or ground pork are also potential sources of salmonella.
Tip: Salmonella thrive at temperatures between 10 and 47 °C and can survive for several months on appropriate foods – even if they are frozen! To safely kill salmonella, you must heat the food in question to over 70°C for at least 10 minutes.
Salmonella poisoning: 3 symptoms
1. Sudden diarrhea
In the case of an infection with salmonella, the disease breaks out within 72 hours and mainly leads to unpleasant symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract. Sudden diarrhea and a green coloring of the stool are particularly characteristic of salmonellosis . In severe cases, it can lead to dangerous dehydration and electrolyte depletion. To compensate for this, frequent drinking and the intake of easily digestible, salty foods is essential. Since the Salmonella bacteria spread through the smallest traces of stool residue, parents should pay close attention to hygiene and washing their children’s hands.
2. Headache and abdominal pain
Other common symptoms include headaches and stomach aches, as well as a general feeling of being unwell. Under certain circumstances, vomiting can also occur – which in turn upsets the fluid and salt balance.
Important: According to the Infection Protection Act, children under the age of 6 must temporarily stay away from community facilities such as day-care centers or kindergartens due to the high risk of infection. Likewise, people who work with food are not allowed to work as long as they are contagious.
3. Fever
A slight fever is one of the more common symptoms of salmonella poisoning, but it usually goes away on its own within a few days. In rare, severe cases, high fever can also occur.
