Salmonella in Central & South America

A Traveler’s Guide by Hey Doctor

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection called salmonellosis. It is one of the common causes of foodborne illness and can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea and sometimes vomiting.

Most healthy people recover within several days, but the infection can sometimes become serious, particularly when dehydration or complications occur.

How Do Travelers Get Salmonella?

Salmonella is mainly transmitted by consuming *contaminated food or water*.

Common sources include:

• 🍗 Undercooked chicken, meat or other animal products

• 🥚 Raw or undercooked eggs

• 🥛 Unpasteurized milk and dairy products

• 🥗 Raw vegetables or produce contaminated with bacteria

• 💧 Contaminated drinking water

• 🧊 Ice made from unsafe water

• 🐕 Contact with infected animals or pets

Person-to-person transmission can also occur through poor hand hygiene.

Travelers' diarrhea is common in Central and South America, and contaminated food and water can expose travelers to several different bacteria, viruses and parasites - not only Salmonella.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms usually develop *6 hours to 6 days after infection*.

Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea

• Fever

• Stomach cramps

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Headache

• Loss of appetite

Symptoms commonly last around 4–7 days.

How Can You Prevent Salmonella?

You cannot eliminate the risk completely, but you can significantly reduce your exposure.

🍽️ Be Careful With Food

• Eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot.

• Avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry and eggs.

• Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products.

• Be careful with raw vegetables and salads when you are unsure how they were washed.

• Avoid food that has been sitting at room temperature for long periods.

• When eating street food, choose food that is freshly cooked and served hot.

💧 Drink Safe Water

• Drink water from a sealed commercial bottle or a reliable treated source.

• Avoid untreated tap water when its safety is uncertain.

• Avoid ice when you are unsure whether it was made with safe water.

• Use safe water for brushing your teeth when necessary.

🧼 Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially:

• Before eating

• After using the bathroom

• After touching animals

• Before handling food

If soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer containing at least *60% alcohol*.

What Should You Do If You Get Sick?

If you develop diarrhea, vomiting or fever while traveling:

💧 1. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids. If you have significant diarrhea or vomiting, **oral rehydration solutions (ORS)** can help replace fluids and electrolytes.

🛌 2. Rest

Give your body time to recover and avoid strenuous activities while you are sick.

💊 3. Don't Automatically Take Antibiotics

Most people with uncomplicated Salmonella infection recover without antibiotics. Antibiotics may be recommended in certain severe cases or for people at increased risk of complications. A healthcare professional should decide whether they are appropriate.

⚠️ 4. Be Careful With Anti-Diarrheal Medication

Speak with a healthcare professional before taking medication to stop diarrhea. Some anti-diarrheal medications may not be appropriate, particularly when there is fever or bloody diarrhea.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• Bloody diarrhea

• Persistent vomiting

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain

• High fever

• Signs of dehydration

• Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days

• Severe weakness or dizziness

• Symptoms that are getting worse rather than better

Severe dehydration can be dangerous and may require medical treatment.

Hey Doctor - Medical Assistance for Travelers

Getting sick while traveling can be stressful, especially when you don't know where to find appropriate medical care.

Hey Doctor provides medical assistance and guidance for travelers throughout Latin America.

We can help travelers with:

👨‍⚕️ Medical consultations

🏥 Finding clinics and hospitals

💊 Medication and pharmacy guidance

🌎 Language assistance

🩺 Medical guidance for travelers

✈️ Travel insurance guidance

Experiencing diarrhea, vomiting or fever while traveling?

Don't ignore severe or persistent symptoms. Contact Hey Doctor for professional medical guidance.

Hey Doctor

Medical Assistance for Travelers in Latin America.