Salmonellosis

What is salmonellosis (non-typhoidal)?

Salmonellosis is a foodborne disease that is caused by the Salmonella bacteria.

How is salmonellosis (non-typhoidal) transmitted?

Salmonellosis usually spreads by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, especially raw or undercooked items like milk, meat, poultry, or eggs.

It can also spread from person to person through poor hygiene, particularly when someone has diarrhoea. In some cases, people get infected through contact with pets or animals (e.g. live poultry or reptiles) that carry the bacteria.

What are the symptoms of salmonellosis (non-typhoidal)? 

Symptoms include:

• Fever

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Stomach pain

While salmonellosis (non-typhoidal) infections are usually mild, they can sometimes become serious. Complications include dehydration, and in some cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Those at higher risk of severe illness include young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors include:

• Eating inadequately cooked food

• Consuming food prepared by infected persons with poor food hygiene practices

• Having contact with pets and other animals – either directly through their droppings or indirectly through their belongings (toys and bowls), or living spaces (cages, tanks, coops)

How is salmonellosis (non-typhoidal) treated?

For most people with salmonellosis (non-typhoidal), treatment focuses on rehydration by drinking plenty of fluids and in relieving symptoms. However, doctors may prescribe antibiotics for those with severe symptoms or are at high risk of severe illness.

How to prevent salmonellosis (non-typhoidal)?

You can help protect yourself and others from salmonellosis (non-typhoidal) by taking the following precautions:

• Consume food and water from safe, reliable sources only.

• Wash your hands often, especially before, and after food handling, eating, and using the toilet.

• Avoid drinking unpasteurised milk or dairy products.

• Keep utensils and cutting boards that have been used with raw poultry separate and wash them thoroughly.

• Make sure food is cooked thoroughly.

• Be careful when handling or caring for pets.

Note: There is no approved vaccine against salmonellosis (non-typhoidal) in Singapore.