08/11/26 Public Health Education Topic: Salmonella

Per CDC

Key points

• Salmonella are bacteria (germs) that can make people sick

• People can get infected with Salmonella after swallowing the bacteria.

• CDC estimates Salmonella cause about 1.35 million infections in the United States every year.

• Contaminated food is the source for most of these illnesses.

People can get infected after swallowing Salmonella.

Salmonella live in the intestines of people and animals. People can get infected with Salmonella in many ways, including

• Eating contaminated food

• Drinking or having contact with contaminated water

• Touching animals, animal poop, and the places animals live and roam

People at risk

Anyone can get a Salmonella infection. But some groups of people have an increased chance of infection, and some people may become seriously ill. These groups include:

• Children who are younger than 5 years (and especially children who are younger than 1 year)

• Adults who are 50 years and older with underlying medical problems, such as heart disease

• Adults who are 65 and older

• People who have a weakened immune system

• International travelers

Prevention tips

Keep your hands clean.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and other people from getting sick.

Keep Reading: Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.

Follow four simple steps to food safety: clean, separate, cook, and chill.

Salmonella and other harmful germs can be in your foods and on your kitchen surfaces.

Keep Reading: Following four simple steps at home can help protect you and your loved ones from food poisoning.

Play it safe around animals.

Pets and other healthy animals can carry Salmonella and other germs that make people sick. These animals include ones at petting zoos, farms, and fairs and even schools and daycares.

Keep Reading: See tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe when it comes to our furry, feathery, and scaly friends.

Protect your health when traveling abroad.

In some parts of the world, food and water safety standards might not be as high as in the United States. When you travel internationally, remember to "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it!"

Keep Reading: Learn safer eating and drinking habits to reduce your chances of getting sick during travel.

Drink pasteurized milk and juices.

Pasteurized milk and juices have undergone a process that kills harmful germs, including Salmonella. Look for the word "pasteurized" on the label when shopping for milk, dairy products, and juices. If in doubt, don't buy it!

Keep Reading: Learn why raw (unpasteurized) milk is risky.

Be mindful when swimming.

You can get infected if you drink water that contains harmful germs. Don't swallow water when swimming in pools, lakes, or other bodies of water.

Keep Reading: See how to stay healthy and safe while swimming.

To learn more please visit: About Salmonella Infection | Salmonella Infection | CDC