Most mild types of salmonella infection clear up within four to seven days without requiring any treatment other than rest and plenty of liquid. A more severe infection may cause excessive diarrhoea, stomach cramps and general health problems. In such cases, treatment with antibiotics may be necessary and a doctor should be consulted. If the patient has fever of 38 o C or more If there are signs of jaundice - a yellowish discolouration of the skin or eyes. Frequent diarrhoea and vomiting may drain the body of fluids, salts and minerals.
Dehydration occurs when the patient loses more liquid than they can take in.
Cases of dehydration should always be checked by a doctor and can be very dangerous in babies and the elderly. Always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before preparing food. Dry them on a dry towel. It is also important to wash your hands when you switch from preparing one type of food to another - vegetables then meat, for example. This helps prevent the exchange of bacteria between different ingredients.