Published on: 5/26/2025
What Are the Common Symptoms of a Salmonella Infection, and How Soon After Exposure Do They Typically Appear?
Common symptoms of a Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, usually appearing 6 hours to 6 days after exposure.
Explanation
Salmonella infections typically cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. These symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after someone eats food or drinks water contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.
Common Symptoms:
- Diarrhea: Often watery and can be severe.
- Fever: A rise in body temperature is common.
- Stomach Cramps: Pain in the stomach area.
Timing:
- Symptoms usually begin 6 hours to 6 days after eating or drinking something with the bacteria.
Important Note:
- Most people recover without treatment in 4 to 7 days. However, some cases can be more serious, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. If symptoms are severe or persist, it is important to seek medical attention.
(References)
- Iushchuk ND, Brodov LE, Chekalina KI, Golokhvastova EL, Voronin VIu, Maleev VV, et al. (1990). [Clinical characteristics of the outbreak of Salmonella infection .... Klinicheskaia meditsina, 2084343.
- Goldberg MB, & Rubin RH. (1988). The spectrum of Salmonella infection. Infectious disease clinics of North America, 3074116.
- Nelson SJ, & Granoff D. (1982). Salmonella gastroenteritis in the first three months of life. A .... Clinical pediatrics, 7140121.
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