Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that generally affects the intestinal tract, and occasionally the bloodstream and other organs. It is one of the more common causes of gastroenteritis with approximately 2,000 cases reported each year in Pennsylvania.
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.