Key points
- Salmonella are bacteria (germs) that can make you sick.
- They can spread to people in many ways.
- You can help prevent infection by washing your hands, safely preparing and storing food, and being mindful while swimming, traveling, and playing with animals.
Who is at risk
Everyone should take steps to prevent Salmonella infection. But following these steps is especially important if you are more likely to get an infection or become seriously ill.
Prevention tips
Keep your hands clean.
Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and other people from getting sick.
Follow four simple steps to food safety: clean, separate, cook, and chill.
Salmonella and other harmful germs can be in your foods and on your kitchen surfaces.
Play it safe around animals.
Pets and other healthy animals can carry Salmonella and other germs that make people sick. These animals include ones at petting zoos, farms, and fairs and even schools and daycares.
Protect your health when traveling abroad.
In some parts of the world, food and water safety standards might not be as high as in the United States. When you travel internationally, remember to "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it!"
Drink pasteurized milk and juices.
Pasteurized milk and juices have undergone a process that kills harmful germs, including Salmonella. Look for the word "pasteurized" on the label when shopping for milk, dairy products, and juices. If in doubt, don't buy it!
Be mindful when swimming.
You can get infected if you drink water that contains harmful germs. Don't swallow water when swimming in pools, lakes, or other bodies of water.