Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that generally affects the intestinal tract and occasionally the bloodstream. It is one of the more common causes of gastroenteritis. Single cases or clusters are common. One-hundred cases are reported in Montana in a typical year.
Any person can get salmonellosis, but it is recognized more often in infants and children.
Salmonella is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by contact with infected people or animals. Bloodstream infections can be quite serious, particularly in the very young or elderly. The symptoms generally appear one to three days after exposure. The organisms often contaminate raw meats, eggs, unpasteurized milk and cheese products. Other sources of exposure may include contact with infected pet turtles, pet chicks, dogs and cats.