Salmonella Infection (Salmonellosis) in Children

What are common symptoms of salmonella infection?

The following symptoms can appear  12 to 72  hours after infection:

• Fever

• Stomach cramps

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Nausea

Your child can also be infected and have no symptoms at all.

How is salmonella infection diagnosed?

The doctor examines your child. A stool sample is requested to check for the presence of salmonella. More than one stool sample may be needed. If your child has a fever, blood tests (culture) might be done to find out if salmonella is the cause.

How is salmonella infection treated?

• The illness can last  5 to 7  days.

• Medicines that kill bacteria (antibiotics) may be prescribed. But most children get better with no treatment. In some cases, antibiotics may make the illness last longer. If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure your child finishes all of the medicine even if symptoms are better.

• Don’t give your child medicine for diarrhea unless told to by your child's doctor. It can make the illness last longer and decrease the body’s ability to get rid of salmonella.

• Give your child plenty of water or a children’s electrolyte solution to drink. This helps prevent dehydration.

• It may take several weeks for the bacteria to clear from your child’s body even after symptoms have gone away.

When to contact your child's doctor

Contact your child’s doctor or get medical care right away if your child:

• Has severe diarrhea that lasts longer than  2 days.

• Has bloody diarrhea.

• Shows signs of dehydration. These include very dark or little urine, excessive thirst, dry mouth, no tears when crying, or dizziness.

• Cries and can’t be consoled.

Call 911

Call 911 if your child:

• Seems very tired, slow-moving, or doesn’t respond.

How can salmonella infection be prevented?

To prevent your child from passing on a salmonella infection:

• Clean your child’s bottom well when changing diapers. Afterward, wash your hands with soap and water. Do the same for your child.

• Keep your child home from daycare or school until cleared by the doctor.

To lessen the chances of a salmonella infection in the future:

• Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water often. Do this before preparing meals or eating food, after going to the bathroom, and handling pets. Teach your child to do the same.

• Use a food thermometer when cooking. Cook poultry to at least 165°F (73.8°C). Cook pork, beef, and lamb cuts to at least 145°F (62.7°C). Cook ground meats to at least 160°F (71.1°C). Cook egg dishes to at least 160°F (71.1°C). Cook single eggs until the yolks are firm, not runny. Wash or peel fruits and vegetables before eating.

• Wash cutting boards and utensils with hot water and soap after each use. Clean kitchen counters with bleach or disinfectant.

• Know about typhoid fever if you're traveling. Typhoid fever is a form of salmonella infection. It may be recommended that travelers be vaccinated against typhoid fever before going to certain areas of the world where there is a high risk of the illness.