Risk Factors & Symptoms
Salmonella infections are more prevalent during the summer. The risk is especially high in pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems, older people, and children. Caregivers and parents should avoid allowing young children and kids to handle young birds, chicks, or reptiles. These animals may spread Salmonella bacteria and cause infections. If women have a Salmonella infection during pregnancy, it may lead to a lack of nutrients and dehydration. If left untreated, this would affect the health of both the baby and the mother. [3]
When you ingest Salmonella bacteria, they will pass through the stomach to reach the large and small intestine. These microorganisms then penetrate your intestinal mucosa and start to grow. They could invade your gastrointestinal tract and spread to the blood. In these cases, other organs can be infected, such as meninges, bones, gallbladder, or liver. The incubation period lasts from 12 to 72 hours, but it may be longer. Typical symptoms, such as fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea, tend to last 4 to 7 days. [4]
