Salmonella Symptoms and Incubation Period
Most people with Salmonella infection develop symptoms six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria. The illness usually lasts four to seven days. Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Blood in the stool in some cases
Symptoms and timing vary. A healthcare provider may order a stool culture or a molecular test such as a PCR gastrointestinal panel. Testing can guide medical care and help public-health officials determine whether an illness is part of an outbreak. See the CDC’s current Salmonella symptom guidance.
When Should You Call a Healthcare Provider?
Call a healthcare provider promptly if you have:
- Diarrhea with a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, including very little urination, a dry mouth or throat, or dizziness when standing
- Severe, worsening, or unusual symptoms, especially in a young child, an adult 65 or older, or someone with a weakened immune system
Call emergency services for a medical emergency. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Serious and Lasting Salmonella Complications
Severe diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration and kidney injury. Salmonella can enter the bloodstream and lead to bacteremia, sepsis, meningitis, or infection of bones, joints, the heart, or blood vessels. Some people develop severe Salmonella colitis or long-term reactive arthritis. Severe infection can be fatal; families can read about Salmonella wrongful-death claims.
If you developed symptoms after eating at Chipotle, QDOBA, or another Mexican-style restaurant, read the current 2026 jalapeño Salmonella outbreak report for case counts, recall information, and reporting and evidence steps. sickened survived but suffered permanent injury, including brain damage and reactive arthritis.
Reactive Arthritis
Most people with diarrhea recover completely without treatment. However, in some cases salmonellosis can cause reactive arthritis. People who develop this kind of arthritis have joint pains, irritation of the eyes, and a painful sensation during urination. This condition can last for months or years. It sometimes leads to a difficult-to-treat case of chronic arthritis. Antibiotic treatment for the original food poisoning does not make a difference in the later development of arthritis.
Typhoid Fever
Salmonella Typhi can cause an illness called typhoid. Typhoid, characterized by a high fever, is life-threatening. The fever may be accompanied by a feeling of weakness, headache, and in some cases, rose-colored spots. Although typhoid fever is common in the developing world, there are only about 400 cases reported in the U.S. each year. The vast majority of those cases are acquired while traveling in foreign countries. There is a vaccine for typhoid fever that is recommended for people traveling to the developing world. People who are diagnosed with typhoid are given a treatment of antibiotics.
Get Your Free Consultation
Our attorneys have years of experience winning food poisoning lawsuits for our clients. Pritzker Hageman’s national Salmonella legal team evaluates laboratory-confirmed cases involving hospitalization, invasive infection, lasting complications, disability, and wrongful death. Call 1-888-377-8900, text 612-261-0856, or request a free, confidential consultation. There is no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.