Salmonella is a bacteria that causes gastroenteritis (or ‘gastro’) and occasionally bloodstream infection. Symptoms include diarrhoea (sometimes with blood or mucus in the faeces), fever, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. The severity of the symptoms depends on the number of germs swallowed, the person’s age and their general health.
Specific types of Salmonella cause typhoid and paratyphoid fever (see separate fact sheet). These can be more severe abdominal and bloodstream infections, but are generally only reported in returned travellers from countries where typhoid is common.
How it spreads
A person gets the disease by swallowing the germs. This can happen by:
- eating undercooked meat, especially chicken
- eating cooked food that has been contaminated with germs from raw food
- handling infected animals and not washing your hands afterwards.
Infection can also spread from person to person when:
- infected people do not wash their hands well after using the toilet and their hands contaminate food or surfaces
- people do not wash their hands well after changing the nappy of an infected baby and their hands contaminate food or surfaces.
Exclusion period
Exclude until there has not been any diarrhoea or vomiting for at least 24 hours.
Staff members with these symptoms should not handle food until they have not vomited or had diarrhoea for at least 48 hours (they can be assigned to other duties after at least 24 hours, or stay away from the service for at least 48 hours).
Some states and territories may have different requirements for gastroenteritis (diarrhoea or vomiting). Check if your state or territory has different requirements for gastroenteritis.
Actions for educators and other staff
Follow the exclusion period in the Staying healthy guideline.
If you have 2 or more cases of gastroenteritis in your service, contact your local public health unit for advice. This is legally required in most states and territories (except South Australia).
Ensure staff and children have good hand hygiene, especially after handling any animals.
Ensure staff use appropriate cleaning practices, as described in the Staying healthy guideline.
Actions for parents and carers
Keep your child at home until there has been no diarrhoea for at least 24 hours and they feel well.
Give your child plenty of fluids and talk to your pharmacist about rehydration solution options.
See a doctor immediately if your child cannot keep down any fluids. Babies under 6 months should always be seen by a doctor if they have gastro.
Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly, especially after touching animals.
More information about Salmonella infection
See healthdirect for more information on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Salmonella infection.
To find out if a child needs medical help, you can:
- use the health direct online symptom checker
- speak to a registered nurse by calling their 24-hour health advice hotline on 1800 022 222.
