what is salmonella?

Salmonella are bacteria (germs) that cause diarrhoea and vomiting illness in adults and children. Most salmonella infections are short lasting illnesses. Some can be more severe.

Salmonella infections are increasing in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

what causes it?

Bacteria called Salmonella cause the infection.
Salmonella live in the gut of animals and humans.
Petting zoos are a source of infection if hand washing and general hygiene is not satisfactory.
People can become sick after eating food or water with animal faeces in it.
Such foods include eggs, chicken, beef, and unwashed fruits and vegetables.
You can also get sick from eating food touched by someone who did not wash his or her hands after using the lavatory, or touching infected food.

who can get it?

Anyone can get a Salmonella infection.
Those most at risk are infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and people who cannot fight infections well.
Persons with HIV and AIDS are at high risk of getting Salmonella infections.
About 150,000 to 750,000 people are infected each year in the United Kingdom.

what are the signs and symptoms?

Vomiting and diarrhoea.
Dehydration – due to loss of body fluids.
Headaches.
Stomach pain.
Loss of appetite.
Feeling sick (Nausea).
Fever.
Muscle aches.

is it contagious (catching)?

Yes, Salmonella infections are contagious, especially in Nurseries, Schools, Hospitals and other institutions.

how is it treated?

Most Salmonella infections go away on their own within 5 to 7 days.
Medicines are not usually needed.
If your child’s vomiting and diarrhoea are bad enough, she can become badly dehydrated. She may need to be treated in the hospital.
Controlling your child’s intake of food and liquid can help stop her vomiting and diarrhoea.

vomiting

Most vomiting will stop within about 8-12 hours with the right care. For young children aged under 2 years it is recommended that you use an oral rehydration solution (ORS) called Dioralyte or Rehydrate as described below. In addition, you may need to take the following steps:

Stop formula feeding. Stop all non water liquids and solid foods in older children for 6-12 hours, then reintroduce slowly.
Continue to offer breast feeds. If not taken, pump or express breast milk and save it or freeze it.
Give frequent, small amounts of fluids. Give your child 25 mls or 1 ounce of clear liquids every hour. Have your child take small sips.
Do not use plain water. Special clear liquids called oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are best.
Some doctors say that children over 2 years old can have low sugar fizzy drinks, clear soups, tea, or ice lollies to suck. Ask your doctor.
If your child doesn’t vomit after 8-12 hours, add light solid foods. For infants, try cereal with water or ORS. For toddlers, try dry cereal, dry plain biscuits, or dry toast.
If your infant doesn’t vomit after 12 to 24 hours, breastfeeding will increase in frequency or begin giving formula if formula fed.
Add food and liquids slowly as your child is able to keep them down.

diarrhoea

If there is diarrhoea but no vomiting, it is usually fine to give your child milk.
Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids.
Keep your child’s diet bland until the diarrhoea is better. Plain pasta, baked chicken or fish, boiled potatoes, cooked vegetables, and soups are good.
Avoid spicy and fried food.
If diarrhoea doesn’t get better, limit high-sugar foods like orange or apple juice.
Do not use over-the-counter medications for diarrhoea control, such as Lomotil or Imodium until you have checked with the doctor.

oral rehydration solution (ORS)

Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause dehydration (loss of fluid in the body).
Your child should drink fluids if she has had vomiting and diarrhoea. Drinking in small, frequent sips is best.
Your child might need an ORS (such as Dioralyte or Rehydrat) to help replace body fluids.
Call the doctor to find out which ORS to use.
Give your child the ORS in a dropper, spoon, or cup.
If your child has diarrhoea but no vomiting, do not limit how much ORS she drinks but do not necessarily go over the amount she drinks when well.

Your doctor can tell you the smallest amount of ORS that is okay to give your child, based on weight and age.

Wait 30-60 minutes after your child has last vomited to begin giving the ORS. Give the ORS in small amounts and often ( 25 mls or 1 oz every hour). Increase the amount slowly, as your child is able to keep it down.

You can breastfeed and give formula while using the ORS

how long does it last?

Symptoms usually occur within 12 to 72 hours after being infected.
The infection usually lasts 5 to 7 days.

can it be prevented?

Yes, Salmonella infections can be prevented.
Wash hands often to prevent the spread of germs.
Keep eggs refrigerated.
Throw away cracked eggs.
Cook eggs thoroughly.
Do not eat foods that have raw eggs in them. Examples are pastry, hollandaise sauce, homemade eggnog, homemade salad dressings, homemade ice cream, homemade mayonnaise, tiramisu, and icing on cakes.
Be sure to fully cook your chicken and meat. Do not leave it pink in the middle.
Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
Drink only pasteurized milk.
Do not cross-contaminate foods. Food put on places that were first used for raw meat can pick up the germs.
Raw meats should be kept away from fruits and vegetables, cooked foods, and ready-to-eat foods.
Hands, counter tops, cutting boards, knives, etc. should be washed after touching raw foods.
Wash your hands before and after working with food, and between working with different foods.
If you have Salmonella, you should not work with food until you are no longer sick.
Wash your hands after touching pets and other animals, especially reptiles and birds. Petting zoos are a source of infection if hand washing and general hygiene is not satisfactory.

Remember, WASH HANDS OFTEN and thoroughly in soapy water!

can it be prevented?

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s condition, call the doctor, NHS Direct, or go to the local Urgent Care or Emergency Service. If your child is very dehydrated, they will need immediate attention.

Call the doctor if...

your child is under 6 months old and has a temperature above 40° C (or 104° F).
your child is under 2 years old and has vomiting or diarrhoea.
stomach pain is not better in 2 hours, vomiting is not better in 12 hours, or diarrhoea isn’t better after 3 days.
your child’s mouth is dry, she is bloated, or she will not take liquids.
there is blood in the vomit or diarrhoea or bile (yellow-green liquid) in the vomit.
your child has pain with when passing urine, a bad headache, neck pain, or a rash.
your child is unable to take the medicine she needs.

Go to the emergency room if…

your child is very thirsty.
your child does not urinate in 8-12 hours or if your infant does not urinate in 4-6 hours.
urine is very dark.
your child is sleeping a lot or has very little energy.
there are no tears when your child cries.

quick answers

Salmonella are germs that cause Diarrhoea.
People can become sick after eating food or water with animal faeces in it.
Such foods include eggs, chicken, beef, and unwashed fruits and vegetables.
You can also get sick from eating food touched by someone who did not wash his or her hands.
Those most at risk are infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and people who cannot fight infections well.
The main symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, fever, and stomach pain.
If your child is vomiting, stop all food and liquids. After 30 minutes of not vomiting, begin to add food and liquids slowly as she is able to keep them down.
Feed your child a bland diet if she has diarrhoea.
Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause dehydration. Dehydration can be treated with an Oral Rehydration Solution.
Most Salmonella infections go away on their own within 5 to 7 days.
Salmonella infections can be prevented. It is most important to wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom, working with foods, and after touching pets and other animals.
Call the doctor if vomiting, diarrhoea, or aches and pains do not get better within reasonable time.
If your child is very dehydrated, she may need immediate medical attention.