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Salmonella

Find Salmonella infection resources, how to reduce your risk, and what to do when sick.

About Salmonella

Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella that is often spread through the fecal-oral route, through contaminated food and water, or through contact with animals and their environments. Symptoms of salmonellosis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, chills, and abdominal cramping. Illness typically lasts several days, and people can spread infection to others even after symptoms resolve.

To prevent Salmonella infection

  • Wash hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, touching animals, and before eating or preparing food.
  • Cook all meats thoroughly, especially poultry.
  • Wash cutting boards and counters used for meat or poultry preparation immediately after use to avoid cross contaminating other foods.

If you're sick or exposed

People ill with a suspected Salmonella infection should not work in food handling, patient care, or childcare while having vomiting or diarrhea.

Resources for health care professionals

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