Salmonella

Description
Salmonella is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria. The germ can be identified by a faecal culture. Symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, sometimes with blood or mucus in the faeces. Salmonella spreads when hands, objects or food become contaminated with the faeces of infected people and the bacteria are then taken in by mouth. Infection may also occur as a result of drinking unpasteurised (raw) milk, touching raw poultry and meats and not washing hands afterwards, or contact with infected pets.


Incubation Period
6 hours to 3 days, usually 12-36 hours.


Infectious Period
Throughout the illness, and for a variable period of time after the illness is over.


Controlling the Spread of Infection
Exclude a person with infectious diarrhoea from the centre until the diarrhoea has ceased. Do not exclude a person with organisms in their faeces but no diarrhoea. Make sure that good handwashing and cleaning procedures are being followed in the centre and at home. A person with salmonella in their faeces must not be involved in food preparation. Staff may resume handling food when three separate faeces samples show that no salmonella is present. Contact your local health authority if several children in one group are ill. Public health workers may be able to help identify how the germ has spread through the centre and prevent further infection.


Treatment
Treatment with antibiotics is not usually recommended for salmonella infections. Use of antibiotics sometimes results in the person becoming a carrier. The person then appears well but is infectious to others. Recovery from salmonella infection usually occurs within a few days of the onset of symptoms. Parents should consult a doctor about treatment. Make sure the child has plenty to drink, see "Safe drinks" on page 60.


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Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is intended as a guide only. Wollongong Medical Centre is not liable for any problems that may arise from incorrectly or otherwise applying information found in this website.


Further General Information

The following web site has information on infectious diseases: www.health.nsw.gov.au/infect/ or contact the Division of Population and Planning on 4255-2200.

For information on a large range of medical conditions and problems visit www.mayoclinic.com