Staying Healthy - Pet Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish
Ways to minimise your risk of getting sick around reptiles, amphibians and fish
Salmonella infection is one of many possible causes of gastroenteritis (also known as ‘gastro’). There are thousands of different types of Salmonella bacteria and they occur in many domestic and wild animals, including birds, sometimes causing illness in them. Two specific types of Salmonella can cause typhoid and paratyphoid fever, which causes a different illness to that described below. Typhoid and paratyphoid infections can be serious and are not common in Australia.
Salmonella infection is a notifiable condition1
Salmonella infection usually results from ingestion of the bacteria from contaminated food, water or hands. Eggs, milk, meat or poultry are particularly high risk foods. Fruit and vegetables may also be contaminated, especially if manure has been used as fertiliser.
People may become infected if they transfer animal faeces containing Salmonella bacteria from their hands to their mouths, for example, if eating after touching animals and failing to wash their hands.
Person-to-person spread may occur when hands, objects or food become contaminated with faeces from people who are infected and the bacteria are then taken in by mouth by another person.
Symptoms may include:
Sometimes there may be blood or mucus in the faeces. Dehydration is a serious complication. The illness may be particularly severe in young children, the elderly and people with immune suppression.
A small percentage of people may develop arthritis after having a Salmonella infection.
Diagnosis is made by growing Salmonella bacteria from a faecal specimen or by detecting Salmonella in a faecal sample using a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test in a pathology laboratory.
(time between becoming infected and developing symptoms)
6 to 72 hours, usually 12 to 36 hours.
(time during which an infected person can infect others)
The faeces are always infectious when symptoms are present. Some people continue to carry Salmonella bacteria in the bowel and shed them in the faeces for months after recovering.
Recovery from Salmonella infection usually occurs within a week and antibiotic treatment is not normally required. However, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics for young infants, the elderly and in some other situations. See also Typhoid and paratyphoid.
Gastroenteritis is a common illness, which can be particularly serious in young children.
The following are general recommendations for the treatment of gastroenteritis:
Seek medical advice if any of the following symptoms occur:
1 – In South Australia the law requires doctors and laboratories to report some infections or diseases to SA Health. These infections or diseases are commonly referred to as 'notifiable conditions'.