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Published on: 5/26/2025

How do the symptoms and transmission of salmonella differ from e. Coli?

Salmonella and E. coli are both bacteria that can cause stomach problems, but they spread and cause symptoms differently. Salmonella often comes from contaminated food like eggs or poultry, while E. coli can spread through contaminated water or food.

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Explanation

Salmonella and E. coli are both types of bacteria that can make people sick, especially in their stomachs. They can cause symptoms like diarrhea and stomach pain, but they spread in different ways and can have different effects.

Transmission

  • Salmonella: This bacteria is often found in foods like raw eggs, raw poultry, and sometimes in fruits and vegetables. People usually get sick when they eat food that has the bacteria.
  • E. coli: This bacteria can spread through water or food that is contaminated with feces. It can be found in undercooked ground beef, raw milk, and sometimes in fresh produce.

Symptoms

  • Salmonella: Symptoms can include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. These usually start 6 hours to 6 days after getting the bacteria.
  • E. coli: Symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. These symptoms usually appear 3 to 4 days after exposure.

Both bacteria can cause serious illness, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems. It is important to practice good hygiene and proper food handling to prevent infections.

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