Any person can get salmonellosis. The elderly, infants and persons with impaired immune systems are at increased risk for serious illness. Salmonella bacteria are spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by contact with infected people or animals. People exposed to the salmonella bacteria may have diarrhea, cramping, nausea, vomiting and headache. Some people may have very mild or no symptoms.
Some infections can be quite serious, especially in the very young or elderly.
The symptoms can appear from 6 to 72 hours but generally about 12 - 36 hours, after exposure. Salmonella are found in many places in our food and environment. The bacteria often contaminate raw meats, eggs, unpasteurized milk and cheese products. Others sources may include contact with infected pet turtles, pet chicks, dogs, cats, iguanas, and farm animals. A person can carry the bacteria from several days to many months.