Salmonella (non-typhoidal) is one of the main causes of bacterial foodborne infections. These manifest themselves through symptoms that are predominantly digestive. While the disease is most often benign, it can sometimes be serious, with a significant risk of complications in vulnerable people. Take the right steps and know when to call the doctor.

HOW CAN I BE CONTAMINATED BY SALMONELLA?

There are two main groups of Salmonella, non-typhoidal, which cause foodborne illness, and those that cause typhoid fever (which are not discussed here). Salmonella are bacteria that can colonize and persist for a long time in the digestive tract of various animals (poultry, pigs, cows), which then release them into the environment through their feces. Contaminated water and soil contribute to the spread of bacteria.

Humans become contaminated by ingesting infected food. These are most often raw or undercooked eggs or egg products; they can also be dairy products (raw or underheated milk) or meat (poultry, pork, beef). In rarer cases, the consumption of fish or shellfish can be the cause of a foodborne infection by Salmonella.

If the incriminated food has been consumed by several people, there will be grouped cases of foodborne infections. This is called collective foodborne illness (CFI) that your doctor will have to report to the Regional Health Agency in your region. It is therefore important to know if other people who shared the same meal as you are also sick.

ARE THERE SITUATIONS THAT PROMOTE CONTAMINATION?

Anyone can contract a foodborne infection by Salmonella. But some people are more vulnerable than others; This is the case for those taking medications to reduce gastric acidity, antibiotics or immunosuppressants. In immunocompromised patients, very young children and pregnant women, Salmonella infection can be particularly serious.

WHAT SYMPTOMS WILL I EXPERIENCE?

On average one to three days after ingesting the contaminated food (sometimes sooner), you will experience digestive symptoms - nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea - associated with signs of infection - chills, fever, headaches, fatigue.

Most of the time your symptoms will disappear in a few days. However, in the event of significant contamination or in vulnerable patients, complications may occur: dehydration, spread of the infection outside the digestive tract with the spread of Salmonella into the blood (septicemia). These complications are serious and require emergency specialist care.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IN THE EVENT OF DIGESTIVE SYMPTOMS?

The main risk is dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. You need to drink often (in small quantities so as not to vomit). You need water, mineral salts and sugar; the best thing is to get replacement oral solutions that contain these different elements in the right proportions; you can find them in pharmacies. Failing that, you can alternate a clear vegetable broth with the right salt and water or a sweetened infusion. When the vomiting has calmed down, start eating small quantities of easily digestible foods again: bread, biscuits, yogurt, rice or bananas... In general, the symptoms disappear in two or three days.

WHEN SHOULD I CALL THE DOCTOR?

If the symptoms are intense or if they last more than 2 days, contact your doctor. If it is a child, an elderly person or a fragile person, consult without delay.

Finally, if you notice signs of moderate or severe dehydration (changed state of consciousness, sunken and dark circles under your eyes, loss of skin elasticity that does not immediately return to its initial position when pinched, weight loss, cramps, dry tongue, rare urine, etc.), consult quickly; hospitalization will probably be necessary to rehydrate you properly.

WHAT MEDICATION WILL I BE GIVEN TO RELIEVE IT?

It may be useful to relieve your abdominal pain (digestive spasms) with antispasmodics. Similarly, if your diarrhea continues, the doctor may give you antidiarrheals. Antibiotics are not systematically prescribed; they are reserved for the most serious cases and if the strain of Salmonella responsible for the infection has been identified.

AM I CONTAGIOUS TO THOSE AROUND ME?

Salmonella is present in your stool. You – and those around you – should also wash your hands frequently and carefully for several weeks after your symptoms have disappeared. Salmonella can in fact persist for a very long time in the digestive tract of people who have been infected (up to 12 months in a young child).