Signs & Symptoms (Final Update)
Four Multistate Outbreaks of Human Salmonella Infections Linked to Live Poultry in Backyard Flocks
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These investigations are over. However, live poultry, including those kept in backyard flocks, remain an important cause of human Salmonella infections in the United States. More information about Salmonella from live poultry and the steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection is available.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Most people infected with Salmonella develop the following signs and symptoms 12-72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
How long does the illness last?
- The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
- In some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body.
- In rare cases, Salmonella infection can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
Who is more likely to have a severe illness?
- Children younger than 5 years
- Adults older than 65 years
- People with weakened immune systems
More information about Salmonella and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection with Salmonella in general can be found on the CDC Salmonella website.
- Page last reviewed: July 31, 2015
- Page last updated: September 24, 2015
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