Most cases occur in the summer months, and are seen as single cases, clusters or outbreaks. Any person can get Salmonellosis, but it is clinically recognized more often in infants and children. Salmonella bacteria are spread by either eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by contact with infected people or animals and subsequent poor personal hygiene. People with Salmonellosis may experience mild or severe diarrhea, fever and occasionally vomiting. They may be infected, but without symptoms.
Bloodstream infections can be quite serious, particularly in the very young or elderly.
The symptoms generally appear 1 to 3 days after exposure. Salmonella bacteria are widely distributed in our food chain and environment. 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. The Salmonellosis carrier stage varies from several days to many months.