Salmonella are gram-negative bacilli that cause diarrheal illness in humans. Most persons infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within 12 to72 hours after exposure. Salmonella infections are self-limiting and illness lasts between 4 to 7 days. Most persons recover without treatment. Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium are the most common serotypes in the United States. Salmonella infections occur when animal feces contaminate foods, such as beef, poultry, milk, and eggs that are consumed. The unwashed hands of an infected food handler can also contaminate food. Salmonella infections can be prevented by avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked eggs, meat or poultry, by keeping raw meats separate from produce, cooked food, and ready-to-eat foods, and with thorough hand washing.

Table 1: Salmonella in Maryland Residents 1998-2002

Graph 1: Salmonella in Maryland Residents- 5 year trend

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Epidemiology and Disease Control Program
Emerging Infections Program
201 W. Preston St., 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6234
Fax: 410-725-4825
Email: MDEIP@dhmh.state.md.us