Salmonellosis

What is salmonellosis?

Salmonellosis is a diarrheal illness caused by an intestinal infection of bacteria belonging to the genus Salmonella. Two types of Salmonella bacteria cause the majority of salmonellosis cases in the United States, Salmonella serotype Typhimurium and Salmonella serotype Enteritidis. According to the CDC about 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported each year, but the health agency believes the actual number of salmonellosis cases to be 30 to 40 times greater than 40,000. About 500 people die from salmonellosis and its complications each year.

What are the symptoms of salmonellosis?

Salmonellosis onset typically begins 12 to 72 hours after ingesting Salmonella bacteria. The symptoms of salmonellosis include nausea, abdominal pain, followed by diarrhea (which can be bloody) and sometimes fever and vomiting. These symptoms can range from mild to quite severe and may require medical treatment.

How long does salmonellosis last?

Salmonellosis is generally mild for healthy people, and the illness typically lasts four to seven days, but salmonellosis can last longer and lead to serious complications for individuals in high risk groups.

Who is most at risk for salmonellosis?

Any person who ingests Salmonella is susceptible to contracting salmonellosis, but some groups are at greater risk for salmonellosis and its complications. Young children (especially under the age of five), the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at significantly higher risk for salmonellosis.

What are the complications associated with salmonellosis?

As with many bacteria illnesses, salmonellosis can cause serious health complications. Salmonellosis has been closely related to Reiter’s syndrome (Reactive Arthritis), an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the joints, skin blisters and urinary tract problems.

In addition to Reiter’s syndrome, sepsis (blood poisoning) can occur if the Salmonella bacteria enter the bloodstream. Sepsis can be very difficult to treat and can cause permanent damage.

Endocarditis, or inflammation of the lining around the heart, has been related to salmonellosis. If not treated, endocarditis can lead to coronary problems.

In a recent European study, individuals who had suffered from salmonellosis were almost twice as likely to develop Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) later in life.

For some individuals, a case of salmonellosis can even be fatal.

Advocating for Food Safety

The foodborne illness attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault promote food safety through legal advocacy, information outreach and analysis of food poisoning outbreaks. For nearly three decades, the food poisoning attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have helped people harmed by contaminated foods or beverages, including clients in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and across the country.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from a foodborne illness, please contact Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free evaluation of your case. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.