Salmonella Infections

What are the treatments for the infection?

Healthcare providers suggest that people with mild cases allow the disease to run its course. The main treatment in this case is drinking fluids to prevent dehydration. Some people are not able to keep any liquids down. Such people may need fluids given to them through an IV tube in their arm.

Antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, or gentamicin may be given to certain persons. These include:

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions, stomach upset, and rash.

What happens after treatment for the infection?

After a Salmonella infection, people often shed the bacteria in their stools for more than a month. Good hygiene is important to avoid giving the infection to others. Children may be excluded from day care until their stool is clear of the bacteria. Food handlers may be kept off the job until they are no longer carriers.

Three percent of people infected with the Salmonella typhi organism are chronic carriers. This means the organism is in their stool 1 year or more after treatment. They can infect others while having no symptoms themselves. Most carriers are women over the age of 50.

How is the infection monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.