Salmonellosis
Nontyphoidal Salmonella
What it is
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection. It can be contracted by eating contaminated food that is raw or undercooked, or through contact with an infected person. It may cause symptoms similar to gastroenteritis, such as nausea, vomiting, or watery stools.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Drink small amounts of fluid often.
- Drink an oral rehydration solution purchased at a pharmacy (such as Pedialyte or Gastrolyte), or make a homemade solution using:
- 360 mL unsweetened orange juice
- 600 mL boiled water that has been allowed to cool
- 2.5 mL (½ tsp.) salt
- To relieve pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age.
To prevent spreading the infection
- Wash hands often.
- Clean countertops, door handles, and toilets with a disinfectant.
- Do not handle food intended for other people.
- Do not share items that have been in contact with the sick person’s mouth.
In the kitchen
- After handling raw food, wash hands before touching cooked or ready-to-eat food.
- Use separate utensils for raw food and cooked or ready-to-eat food.
- Keep raw food separate from cooked or ready-to-eat food.
When to seek medical attention
Fever lasting 3 days
Symptoms lasting more than 10 days despite following the recommended advice, after contact with someone who has salmonellosis
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Rapid changes in the person’s condition:
- unusual fatigue (drowsiness) or difficulty staying awake
- reduced responsiveness to what is happening around them
- confusion, agitation, or unusual behaviour
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- reduced appetite or thirst
- difficulty carrying out normal daily activities
Signs of dehydration that persist despite drinking plenty of fluids:
- dry mouth
- extreme thirst
- dark yellow urine (pee)
- no urine (pee) for more than 12 hours
- crying without tears
- weakness
- for young children: refusing to drink
Severe headache with a stiff neck, vomiting, and sensitivity to light
A painful, swollen, warm, or red joint, such as the knee or elbow