Understanding Salmonella: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention

Pop quiz: what is Salmonella? If you've ever had a run-in with this bacteria, you know it can cause salmonellosis, a form of food poisoning. Salmonella bacteria sicken an estimated 1.35 million people every year in the United States and are the leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths due to food poisoning. They can also trigger unusual complications and infect people in surprising ways, says Dr. Elizabeth Hohmann of Massachusetts General Hospital.

Unusual Complications

In rare cases, Salmonella can infect blood vessels and other organs. Dr. Hohmann treated a patient whose abdominal aortic aneurysm appeared infected—and testing revealed Salmonella as the culprit.

Common Sources of Infection

• Raw or undercooked breaded chicken products (nuggets, chicken Kiev)
• Organic basil, cantaloupes, ground beef, nut butters, raw cookie dough, eggs, raw or unpasteurized milk, and flour
• Backyard poultry and small pets (turtles, frogs)
• Dog food

How Transmission Occurs

Salmonella can spread by handling contaminated food and transferring bacteria from your hands to your mouth, or even on your clothes. “It’s carried in stool and animal feces and present in the environment,” Dr. Hohmann explains, “so it can set up shop on inanimate objects, soils, and machinery, especially in moist environments.”

Typical Symptoms

• Upset stomach, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea
• Onset six hours after exposure, resolving within two to three days
• Mild cases may go unnoticed

When to Call Your Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience severe abdominal cramping, bloody diarrhea, an unexplained high fever, or marked fatigue.

Treatment and the Antibiotic Paradox

Most people recover without medication; replacing lost fluids with water or electrolyte drinks helps prevent dehydration. Treating with antibiotics can paradoxically prolong bacterial shedding, increasing the risk of spreading Salmonella through poor hygiene or food handling.

Complications and Vulnerable Individuals

A small percentage of infected people develop bacteremia (Salmonella in the blood), which can spread to the urinary tract, bones, joints, or central nervous system. In rare cases—especially in those with atherosclerosis—Salmonella can cause dangerous blood vessel complications.

Prevention Strategies

Dr. Hohmann and the CDC recommend thorough handwashing after handling raw foods or animals and extra precautions for vulnerable household members. “You hate to make people paranoid, but it’s worth thinking about these things, particularly if you have people in your household who are susceptible,” she says.