An illness caused by infection with bacteria and commonly spread through contaminated food or water.

Salmonella infection is caused by bacteria. Most often, people get the infection by taking in food or water contaminated by bird, animal or human waste, called stool. The illness may be mild or life-threatening.

Symptoms of salmonella infection include loose stools, called diarrhea. There may be blood in the stool. Other symptoms include stomach cramps, upset stomach, vomiting, fever, chills and headache.

Many people recover on their own from salmonella infection. But medicines called antibiotics may be used to target the bacteria. Other medicine may be used to treat diarrhea. Fluids may be given in a vein to treat dehydration.