According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were six large outbreaks of Salmonella infections in the United States from 2007 to 2009, including:
- 529 people from 43 states in an ongoing Salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter and peanut paste
- 1,220 people from 42 states who have become infected in an ongoing outbreak that was thought to be initially linked to certain types of raw tomatoes, but is now thought to be associated with eating raw jalapeño and raw serrano peppers
- 425 people from 44 states who became infected with Salmonella after eating contaminated Great Value and Peter Pan peanut butter
- 65 people, mostly infants and toddlers, from 20 states who became infected with Salmonella after eating Veggie Booty snacks
- 62 people from 18 states who became infected with Salmonella because of an association with contaminated pet food (perhaps handling the pet food or contact with a pet who became sick)
- 272 people in 35 states who became infected with Salmonella after eating contaminated ConAgra Foods pot pies
Although foods that are are found to be contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria are often recalled and pulled from grocery stores, by that time many people have already eaten them.
That makes it important to learn to recognize the symptoms of Salmonella infections, especially since your child may become sick before any link to a contaminated food is even found.
Recognizing Salmonella symptoms is also important so that you don't overreact every time your child has diarrhea and you worry that it might be Salmonella, when it is more likely to be a simple viral infection.
Salmonella Symptoms
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection, which is called salmonellosis, typically start 6 to 72 hours after you are exposed and can include:
- watery diarrhea (sometimes bloody diarrhea with mucus)
- fever
- cramping abdominal pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- chills
- headache
These symptoms usually last about four to seven days and often go away without treatment.
Some children, especially younger infants and toddlers, or those with a compromised immune system, may develop more severe, life-threatening symptoms though and may need to be hospitalized.
Diagnosis of Salmonella Infections
Children who have Salmonella symptoms and have been exposed to a source of Salmonella bacteria, either from contaminated food, pet turtles and other reptiles, or farm animals should see their pediatrician. Testing will likely include a stool culture, in which the Salmonella bacteria may be found.
Sources:
CDC. Salmonella Outbreak Investigations.
Long: Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 2nd ed.
