Salmonella | Health Navigator NZ (2024)

Salmonella infection is a type of gastroenteritis (food poisoning). Symptoms including diarrhoea and stomach cramps that usually appear 6–72 hours after becoming infected. Good hygiene can help stop it spreading.

Most people recover from salmonella without treatment. Staying hydrated, resting and avoiding spreading the infection to others areimportant for managing a salmonella infection.

On this page, you can find the following information:

  • How is salmonella infection spread?
  • Who is most at risk of salmonella infection?
  • What are the symptoms of salmonella infection?
  • How is salmonella infection diagnosed?
  • How is salmonella infection treated?
  • How long do I need to take off work or school?
  • How can salmonella infection be prevented?

How is salmonella infection spread?

You can get salmonella from foods contaminated with the bacteria, such as meat, chicken, eggs, milk and fruit and vegetables. People or animals infected with salmonella can pass it on in their faeces (poo) into soil, water and food. The bacteria can also contaminate (make unsafe) surfaces such as toys, bathroom taps or doors and nappy change tables.Salmonellais often spread to humans in the following ways:

Eating contaminated food: This includes undercooked meat, especially chicken, or contaminated raw fruit and vegetables. Contamination of food can also happen whenyou don't wash your hands properly after going to the toilet or changing the nappy of an infected pepi/infant.
Cross-contamination:Salmonella can spread inyour kitchen by cross-contamination from raw chicken meat, including juices from the meat, to other food, utensils (such as cutting boards), food contact surfaces and the hands and clothing of people handling the food.
Drinking contaminated water: Drinking contaminated water is responsible for a number of outbreaks globally, such as contamination of water from sewage outflow systems, waste run-off from grazed pasture. You can also get salmonella from swimming or playing in contaminated water, such as rivers and lakes.
Direct handling of animals:Salmonellais found in the poo of many animals, including farm animals and household pets. It can be spread by handling infected animals and not washing your hands afterwards.

Who is most at risk of salmonella infection?

Anyone can get salmonella, but babies, older people and people whose immunity is compromised (through illness or cancer treatment) are most at risk.

Travellers to developing countries where sanitation and food hygiene may be less strict, farm workers, meat processing workers and those who handle raw meatare more likely to be exposed tosalmonella.

Note: There are different strains of Salmonella bacteria.Salmonella typhicauses an infection known astyphoidwhich can cause serious illness if not treated.

What are the symptoms of salmonella infection?

Salmonella infection is a form of gastroenteritis (gastro). Symptoms of salmonella can include runny poo (diarrhoea), stomach pain or cramps, and feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting).

Symptoms usually appear 6–72 hours after becoming infected. The symptoms usually last1–7 days, but in more severe cases they can last up to 10 days.

How is salmonellainfection diagnosed?

Most cases of gastro do not require special investigations. If your symptoms are severe (really bad) or ongoing, or your doctor suspects you might have salmonella, you may be asked to provide a stool (poo) sample. This can be tested in the laboratory for salmonella and other germs.

Salmonella is a notifiable disease. This means that if you are found to have salmonella, your doctor will notify the Public Health Service. Someone from your local public health team may contact you to find out how you picked up the bacteria. This helps them trace the source of infection to reduce the risk of a large outbreak.

How is salmonellainfection treated?

Most people will recover without the need for any special medication. You can help your recovery by drinking plenty of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated. Take extra care with young children and older adults who can become dehydrated very quickly. Also, eat as you feel able – be guided by your appetite. Start with bland food such as toast or rice and small, light meals.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are not commonly needed to treat salmonella infections. They have little impact on how long you are sick or howbad your symptoms are. They may help prevent the spread of the disease by killing the bacteria in your poos. Antibiotics may be considered when symptoms are severe or prolonged, or for people at high risk of complications, such as pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems.

Medicines for diarrhoea

Medicines for diarrhoea, such as loperamide and Diastop®, are not routinely recommended, but may be considered in some circ*mstances. They must be avoided if you have blood and mucus in your poos. This can make things worse as it can prolong the diarrhoea and there is the risk ofa serious complication called toxic megacolon. Medicines for diarrhoea are also not recommended for use in children under 12 years. Before taking them, check with your doctor whether they are safe for you.

How long do I need to take off work or school?

Stay away from school, early childhood centres or work until 48 hours (2 days) after the symptoms have gone and do not have visitors from outside the family.However, assalmonella infection is a notifiable disease (see diagnosis above) you will need to check with your doctor first.

Do not swim in pools (private or public) while you have the infection and for at least 2 weeks after your symptoms have gone.

How can salmonella infection be prevented?

Every year about 200,000 New Zealanders get a food-related illness such as salmonella. This is a higher rate than in other developed countries. Because we have a high rate of salmonella infection in New Zealand, and because you can’t tell if a food has been infected with Salmonella bacteria, we all need to take steps to prevent it happening.

There are several things you can do to help prevent it:

Wash your hands

Wash your hands thoroughly by using plenty of soap and hot water, cleaning between your fingers and under your fingernails, rinsing well and drying your hands on a clean dry towel or paper towel. Do this:

  • before and after preparing food
  • after going to the toilet or changing a baby’s nappy
  • after caring for people who are ill
  • after playing or working with animals.

Cleansurfaces and toys

Regularly clean, sanitize, or disinfect toys and surfaces. These may become contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, eg, if someone in your family has been infected, or if you have pets in your house.

Food preparation

Take care when preparing food, cook food well, watch what you eat and wash your hands frequently and properly.Usedifferent chopping boards, trays, utensils and plates when preparing raw foods and ready-to-eat food. If you have only one chopping board wash it well in hot soapy water before you use it again.

  • Clean:keep allfood preparation areas, utensils and equipment clean. Wash raw vegetables properly.
  • Cook:raw foods well and leftovers until steaming hot.Make sure that minced meat, chicken and sausages are cooked thoroughly until juices are clear.Thorough cooking of food kills Campylobacter.
  • Cover: all foods in the fridge, cupboard and outdoors. Separate and store raw and cookedfoods so there is no chance of cross-contamination.
  • Chill:store ready-to-eat food between 0-4°C. Any leftover cooked food should be covered and chilled (within 2 hours).

Read more about food safety.

If your water source is believed to be contaminated, you mustboil all waterfor 1 minute before drinking, making up infant formula, food preparation and cleaning teeth. See alsoWater in rural areas (HealthEd, NZ) and food safety tips at home.

Learn more

The following links provide further information about salmonella. Be aware that websites from other countries may have information that differs from New Zealand recommendations.

SalmonellaAuckland Regional Public Health Service
Food safety at homeMinistry for Primary Industries, NZ
Salmonella Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

References

  1. Assessment and management of infectious gastroenteritisBPAC, NZ, 2009
  2. Campylobacter, E. coli and salmonella HealthEd, NZ, 2016
  3. Salmonella (Salmonellosis) Auckland Regional Public Health Service

Information for healthcare providers

Assessment and management of infectious gastroenteritisBPAC, NZ, 2009
Salmonella gastroenteritisPatient UK

Salmonella | Health Navigator NZ (2024)

FAQs

Who are Health Navigator nz? ›

The Health Navigator website provides one place for New Zealanders to find reliable and trustworthy health information and self-care resources. It focuses on promoting clear, consistent messages that enable users to get the information they need at the time they need it. Take a look at what's on our site.

Where is Health Navigator located? ›

“ Health Navigator offers people different ways to learn about their health. It's New Zealand-based and developed by New Zealanders so the information is relevant to us. ”

Can you get salmonella in New Zealand? ›

Epidemiology in New Zealand

Common routes of infection in New Zealand for salmonellosis are via food, water, animal contact and exposure to the farm environment, and outbreaks are common.

How common is salmonella in NZ? ›

Every year about 200,000 New Zealanders get a food-related illness such as salmonella. This is a higher rate than in other developed countries.

Who owns Health Navigator NZ? ›

The Health Navigator website provides one place for New Zealanders to find reliable and trustworthy health information and self-care resources. It is a non-profit community initiative combining the efforts of a wide range of partner and supporter organisations, and is overseen by the Health Navigator Charitable Trust.

What are the duties of a patient navigator? ›

Patient Navigators are committed to removing the client's barriers to care by identifying critical resources for clients, helping them navigate through health care services and systems, and promoting client health.

Is Health Navigator reliable? ›

“ Health Navigator is such a valuable resource. It's useful for consumers, health professionals and health students as it covers a diverse range of topics, the explanations are easy to understand, and most importantly is credible and NZ focussed. ”

How do I reference Health Navigator NZ? ›

Health Consumer Advisory Service. Retrieved January 20, 2020, from Health Navigator New Zealand website: https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/healthy-living/h/health- consumer-advisory-service/ First citation: ___ (Health Consumer Advisory Service [HCAS], 2020). Subsequent citations: ___ (HCAS, 2020).

Who is the CEO of health NZ? ›

Fepulea'i Margie Apa - Chief Executive, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand. Margie's career spans over 20 years in executive roles in the public sector in Wellington and Auckland.

Is it safe to eat raw egg in NZ? ›

The risk of contracting food poisoning from eating eggs is very low in New Zealand. Due to the slight risk from Salmonella, the Egg Producers Federation suggests it is best to be careful when handling eggs, cooking them where possible, and taking particular care when recipes use raw eggs.

What percentage of chicken has Salmonella NZ? ›

Up to 90 percent of fresh chicken meat for sale is contaminated with the bacteria, which causes a severe form of gastroenteritis. It was New Zealand's number one food safety problem, study co-author Professor Michael Baker said.

What is the most common food poisoning in NZ? ›

Some of the most common causes of foodborne illnesses in NZ include infections from norovirus, campylobacter, giardia, Clostridium difficile, shigella, salmonella and listeria.

Can you be exposed to Salmonella and not get sick? ›

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Some people with salmonella infection have no symptoms. Most people develop diarrhea, fever and stomach (abdominal) cramps within 8 to 72 hours after exposure. Most healthy people recover within a few days to a week without specific treatment.

Can a healthy person get Salmonella? ›

You can also get salmonella from animals and people who are infected with Salmonella bacteria. You can get Salmonella bacteria on your hands when you touch an animal, then transfer it to your mouth. Almost any animal can have a Salmonella infection or carry Salmonella bacteria on its fur, feathers, scales or skin.

How quickly does Salmonella poisoning kick in? ›

Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days. However, some people do not develop symptoms for several weeks after infection and others experience symptoms for several weeks.

What is NZ navigator? ›

NZ Navigator is an on-line assessment tool developed for New Zealand community organisations by Platform Trust, Bishop's Action Foundation, and supported by the Department of Internal Affairs / Charities Services.

How much does a health promoter make NZ? ›

Qualified health promoters usually earn $58,000 to $86,000 a year. Senior health promoters who supervise staff can earn $87,000 to $119,000.

Who owns Medlab NZ? ›

Sonic Healthcare Limited is the parent company of Medlab Central and many more high-quality healthcare practices around the world that make up the Sonic Healthcare group.

How do I become a good patient navigator? ›

Patient Navigator Requirements:

Experience and knowledge of all aspects of the healthcare system. Excellent listening and communication skills. Empathetic attitude, with an ability to offer emotional support. Passion for the proper care and well-being of patients.

What were the 3 most important responsibilities of Navigators? ›

Responsibilities include planning the journey, advising the ship's captain or aircraft commander of estimated timing to destinations while en route, and ensuring hazards are avoided.

Is patient navigator a good career? ›

The job outlook for patient navigators is good. More and more health care facilities are expected to employ patient navigators as the affordable care act has created a need to ensure patient satisfaction and quality health care at an affordable cost.

What is the most credible health website? ›

For More Information About Reliable Health Websites
  • MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine. www.medlineplus.gov.
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 800-633-4227. ...
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 800-232-4636. ...
  • healthfinder.gov. www.healthfinder.gov.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 888-463-6332.

What is the best site for rating doctors? ›

Top Physician Review Sites to Watch
  • Google My Business.
  • Healthgrades.
  • ZocDoc.
  • RateMDs.
  • Doctor.com.
  • Wellness.com.
  • CareDash.
  • RealPatientRatings.
9 Apr 2020

What is a GP care navigator? ›

Care navigators are members of GP support staff who have been trained to help patients get the right help from the right health profession as soon as possible by asking for a little more detail from the patient when they call.

How do you reference a website NZ? ›

When referring to the entirety of a website generally, simply include the URL in your discussion. No reference list entry is necessary. For example: The New Zealand History website (https://nzhistory.govt.nz/) features a number of useful interactive resources for teachers.

Where can I find medical references? ›

Medical Journals
  • BioMed Central. Provides open access to hundreds of peer-reviewed medical journals. ...
  • Free Medical Journals. Links to free full-text medical journals and resources. ...
  • JAMA. The most widely circulated peer-reviewed medical journal in the world. ...
  • New England Journal of Medicine. ...
  • PubMed Central.

How do you reference NZ legislation? ›

When citing a New Zealand statute give the short title of the Act. It is unnecessary to include the number of the Act or state whether it is included in the reprinted statute series. It is unnecessary to state that the statute originates from New Zealand, unless the context requires it.

Who is Mark Stewart NZ? ›

Mark Stewart is well-known in business having held a significant number of roles including Chairman of Seadragon Limited, Director at Acurity Health Group Ltd and Chairman of Foodcap International Ltd.

Who owns Manuka health NZ? ›

Manuka Health founder Kerry Paul shows off his company's products.

Is Dr Ashley Bloomfield religious? ›

Practising Christian and Anglican Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director General of Health, will be speaking on the way our faith can help us during this pandemic.

Can you get salmonella from chicken in NZ? ›

How you can get sick. Most often, Salmonella infections come from eating contaminated food. High-risk foods include: raw or undercooked meat, especially pork, and poultry (like chicken)

Are chickens vaccinated against salmonella in NZ? ›

Woodland meets the NZ Animal Welfare (Layer Hens) Code of Welfare 2012, which compares very favourably with those in place internationally. Our properties are fully compliant with the Animal Products Act 1999. Every flock is vaccinated against salmonella.

Do all backyard chickens have Salmonella? ›

However, any backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs that can make you sick. Always take steps to stay healthy around your flock. Backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks, can carry Salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean.

Can you get Salmonella if chicken is fully cooked? ›

Any consumer can completely mitigate ALL Salmonella bacteria through proper safe handling and by cooking chicken products to an internal temperature of 165°F or greater. But cooking chicken to the well-done stage doesn't necessarily protect consumers from salmonella poisoning.

What are the chances of getting Salmonella from slightly raw chicken? ›

In fact, about 1 in every 25 packages of chicken at the grocery store are contaminated with Salmonella. You can get sick from contaminated chicken if it's not cooked thoroughly or if its juices leak in the refrigerator or get on kitchen surfaces and then get on something you eat raw, such as salad.

How quickly does food poisoning set in NZ? ›

Symptoms may show up in as little as 20 minutes, or they could take several weeks.

What is the fastest acting food poisoning? ›

Staph food poisoning is characterized by a sudden start of nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Most people also have diarrhea. Symptoms usually develop within 30 minutes to 8 hours after eating or drinking an item containing Staph toxin, and last no longer than 1 day. Severe illness is rare.

What is the deadliest form of food poisoning? ›

The most dangerous type is called hemorrhagic colitis (E. coli O157:H7). Sources include undercooked beef, especially ground beef; unpasteurized fruit juice, unpasteurized milk, raw fruits and vegetables (e.g. uncooked sprouts), and contaminated water.

What kills Salmonella in the body? ›

Antibiotics. Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria. These are usually given if your provider suspects that salmonella bacteria have entered your bloodstream, your infection is severe or you have a weakened immune system.

Can your immune system fight off Salmonella? ›

Introduction. The immune system, i.e., innate and adaptive immunity, can overcome many types of bacterial infections. The frontline against infection with bacteria such as Salmonella is innate immunity.

Can your body build immunity to Salmonella? ›

Evidence from these young patients suggests that the development of Salmonella-specific antibody contributes to the development of protective immunity against NTS (38). Taken together, these findings suggest a requirement for CD4 Th1 and Th17 cells, plus an essential role for antibody in the resolution of NTS.

How long are you contagious after Salmonella? ›

Are Salmonella Infections Contagious? Yes. People with salmonellosis can spread the infection from several days to several weeks after they've been infected — even if their symptoms have disappeared or they've been treated with antibiotics.

What are 4 symptoms of Salmonella? ›

Salmonella infections are diarrheal infections caused by the bacteria salmonella. Symptoms of a salmonella infection may include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection chills, headache, nausea, or vomiting.

What is the survival rate of Salmonella? ›

Typhoid Salmonella generally requires treatment. Mortality rate for treated cases is 2%, while complications occur in 30% of untreated cases.

What color is salmonella poop? ›

Salmonella or E. coli: A bacterial infection of salmonella or E. coli can also cause green-colored stools.

Can salmonella go away on its own? ›

Illness from these bacteria is officially called salmonellosis. It can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, fever, and pain and cramping in your belly. Most people get better on their own at home within 4 to 7 days.

Which food has most salmonella? ›

Chicken is a major source of these illnesses. In fact, about 1 in every 25 packages of chicken at the grocery store are contaminated with Salmonella. You can get sick from contaminated chicken if it's not cooked thoroughly.

What is a navigator in health care? ›

An individual or organization that's trained and able to help consumers, small businesses, and their employees as they look for health coverage options through the Marketplace, including completing eligibility and enrollment forms. These individuals and organizations are required to be unbiased.

What is Health Service Navigator? ›

Health Service Navigator is your trusted online and on-call resource for health information and health care navigation designed to help you navigate our Canadian health care system - anytime, anywhere - so you can be ready for the real world.

What are some trusted health websites? ›

Useful websites
  • healthdirectAustralia.
  • fightdementia.
  • HealthInfoNet.
  • Cancer Council NSW.
  • Cancer Directory.
  • Carers Australia.
  • CareSearch.

What skills are required to be a patient navigator? ›

Patient Navigator Requirements:
  • High-school diploma.
  • Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field preferred.
  • BCPA Certification.
  • Experience and knowledge of all aspects of the healthcare system.
  • Excellent listening and communication skills.
  • Empathetic attitude, with an ability to offer emotional support.

How can I be a good patient navigator? ›

Other qualities of successful patient navigation programs include:
  1. Cultural competency training for navigators.
  2. Offerings in multiple languages.
  3. Navigation services for financial, clinical, and social needs.
  4. Focus on care coordination.
  5. Focus on patient education.
10 Sept 2021

How would a patient benefit from a patient navigator? ›

Patient navigators provide evidence-based, unbiased information that helps patients understand their diagnosis and make educated treatment decisions and connect them with programs and services that offer hope, support, and tangible help as they navigate their cancer experience.

Why do I need a nurse navigator? ›

In short, a patient or nurse navigator is your advocate for care – from the initial consultation right through treatment. Nurse navigators are most commonly found in oncology to help patients through their cancer diagnosis and individualized care plan.

Is a care navigator a receptionist? ›

Care Navigators can have a range of 'day jobs' – in our practice they are receptionists and admin team members – and their role is to actively listen, to signpost people to sources of help, advocacy and support, and to help people play an active role in managing their own health.

What is a whanau ora navigator? ›

Whānau Ora Navigators work with whānau and families to identify their needs and aspirations, support their participation in core sectors such as housing, education, primary health and employment and link and coordinate access to specialist services.

How are GPS paid in NZ? ›

Pay for general practitioners varies depending on experience, hours, location and the number of patients they see. Registrars (in training) who work for a district health board (DHB) usually earn between $81,000 and $192,000 a year.

How much are GPS paid in New Zealand? ›

General Practitioner (GP) Doctor Salaries / Wages in 2020
PositionSalary / Wage $
General Practitioner (GP) Doctor180,000 – 200,000
General Practitioner (GP) Doctorup to 200,000
VR General Practitioner (GP) Doctorup to 250,000
General Practitioner (GP) Doctor180,000 – 190,000
9 more rows

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 6802

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Birthday: 2001-08-13

Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

Phone: +9418513585781

Job: Senior Designer

Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.