What is salmonella?
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that infects the intestines, most often after eating undercooked poultry or eggs, unpasteurized dairy, or contaminated produce. It’s one of the most common causes of food poisoning worldwide, including in travelers to Mexico who aren’t used to local food handling.
What are the symptoms of salmonella?
- Watery diarrhea, sometimes with blood
- Fever and chills
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and last 4–7 days.
What causes a salmonella infection?
- Undercooked chicken, turkey, or eggs
- Unpasteurized milk or juice
- Contaminated fruits and vegetables
- Contact with reptiles, poultry, or their environment (less common, but relevant for travelers)
How is salmonella diagnosed?
A stool culture confirms the diagnosis and identifies the specific strain, which matters if antibiotics are needed. Blood tests may be added to check for dehydration or, in severe cases, whether the infection has spread beyond the intestines.
What is the treatment for salmonella?
- Hydration with oral rehydration solution is the priority — most healthy adults recover without antibiotics.
- Antibiotics are reserved for severe cases, infants, people over 65, or anyone with a weakened immune system, since they can occasionally prolong how long the bacteria stays in the system in mild cases.
- Avoid anti-diarrheal medication early on, since it can slow the body’s clearance of the bacteria.
Everything under one roof
Stool culture, IV hydration if needed, and medical evaluation are all available in the same visit at any of our 3 locations.
Persistent diarrhea or signs of dehydration? Message us on WhatsApp for guidance.
When should you go to the ER for salmonella?
Seek immediate care for high fever, blood in the stool, signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, dizziness when standing, little or no urination), or diarrhea lasting more than 3 days without improvement — especially in young children and older adults.
How can salmonella be prevented?
- Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly; avoid runny yolks if you’re at higher risk.
- Choose pasteurized dairy and juice, especially when traveling.
- Wash hands after handling raw meat or touching pets/reptiles.
- Wash produce well or choose cooked options if food safety is uncertain.
Reviewed by: Dra. Itzel Aguayo, General Medicine, and Dr. David Hernández, Internal Medicine, Hospital CMQ. Review date: July 2026. References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Mayo Clinic.