Symptoms
Symptoms of salmonella infection in children typically appear within 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria. The most common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
- Nausea
Symptoms usually last for 4 to 7 days and most children recover without any complications. In some cases, however, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause more serious complications, such as sepsis.
Causes
Salmonella infection is caused by the bacteria Salmonella enterica. The bacteria can be found in a variety of sources, including:
- Contaminated food (such as undercooked chicken, eggs, and meat)
- Contaminated water
- Contact with animals (such as pet turtles, lizards, and birds)
Children are also at risk of salmonella infection if they come into contact with someone who is already infected.