Salmonellosis is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract causing diarrhea.

Causes

• Salmonella bacteria
• Infected meat, eggs or milk
• Contaminated fruits and vegetables
• Touching infected reptiles or rodents
• Feces of an infected animal

Symptoms

• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Diarrhea with blood or mucus
• Fever
• Weakness
• Rash

Treatment
Mild infection in healthy individuals may not require treatment. In other cases, it includes;

• IV fluids for rehydration
• Antibiotics to fight infection

Prevention

• Wash hands after visiting the toilet
• Wash hands before handling and consuming food
• Wash hands after handling animals, especially reptiles
• Keep cooked and raw food separately
• Store and cook eggs and meat appropriately
• Wash fruits and vegetables before consumption
• Boil raw milk before consumption