Salmonellosis: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Stay Safe

When you eat something contaminated with Salmonella, a type of bacteria that causes intestinal infection known as salmonellosis. Also known as Salmonella infection, it’s one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the U.S. and around the world. You don’t need to travel far or eat fancy food to get it—salmonellosis often comes from undercooked eggs, raw chicken, unpasteurized milk, or even fruits and vegetables washed with dirty water.

People often think food poisoning is just a bad stomach ache, but salmonellosis, a bacterial infection that can lead to severe dehydration and hospitalization is more serious than most realize. Symptoms usually show up 6 to 48 hours after eating contaminated food and include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and vomiting. In kids, older adults, and people with weak immune systems, it can turn dangerous fast. Even healthy people can end up in the hospital if they don’t rehydrate properly. And here’s the thing—contaminated food, not just meat, but also sprouts, peanut butter, and even pet turtles can carry Salmonella. You can pick it up from handling reptiles, not washing your hands after using the bathroom, or cross-contaminating your kitchen counters with raw meat juices.

Most cases go away on their own in a week, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Knowing how to prevent it matters more than ever. Simple habits like cooking chicken to 165°F, washing your hands after touching raw eggs or pets, and keeping raw meat separate from your salad ingredients can cut your risk dramatically. It’s not about being paranoid—it’s about being smart. And if you’ve had a bad bout of food poisoning that didn’t improve after a few days, you might not just have a stomach bug—you could be dealing with salmonellosis.

The posts below cover real-world stories and practical advice from people who’ve dealt with foodborne illness, from how to spot early signs to what to do if you’re caring for someone sick. You’ll find guides on safe food handling, when to call a doctor, and how to clean your kitchen after an outbreak. No fluff. Just what you need to know to keep your family safe.