2015 Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Imported Cucumbers – Signs & Symptoms
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Poona Infections Linked to Imported Cucumbers (Final Update)
Posted March 18, 2016 2:30 PM ET
This outbreak appears to be over. However, Salmonella remains an important cause of human illness in the United States. For more information about Salmonella and steps that people can take to reduce their risk of infection, visit CDC’s Salmonella webpage.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Most people infected with Salmonella develop the following signs and symptoms 12-72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
How long does the illness last?
- The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
- In some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body.
- In rare cases, Salmonella infection can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
Who is more likely to have a severe illness?
- Children younger than 5 years
- Adults older than 65 years
- People with weakened immune systems
More information about Salmonella and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection with Salmonella in general can be found on the CDC Salmonella website.
