• Improperly prepared pork can lead to a salmonella infection.pork meat image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause salmonellosis, which simply refers to conditions caused by salmonella. Salmonellosis is associated with food poisoning because it is often caused by the consumption of improperly prepared food, but it can also come from touching animal feces or from handling birds or reptiles that carry the bacteria. Being aware of symptoms that accompany a salmonella infection can help you get the correct treatment.
  
  

Nausea

• The salmonella bacteria will attack the healthy bacteria in your stomach, and this can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea. Depending on the severity of the infection, the nausea can range from very mild to severe.
  
  

Abdominal Pain

• When salmonella bacteria are attacking the body, abdominal pain can result. In severe cases, this can manifest as abdominal cramping, where the muscles seize up due to the pain.
  
  

Diarrhea

• Most forms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, where stool will be loose and watery. The diarrhea that is associated with salmonella infection tends to be severe, and if it is persistent, does require medical attention.
  
  

Fever

• A fever is the body's way of killing invading microbes. Many bacteria and viruses will die when heat is applied, and a fever is a sign that your body is fighting to get rid of the salmonella bacteria. A fever that goes above 103 degrees Fahrenheit is considered dangerous and does require medical attention. Some strains of salmonella can also result in typhoid fever, which is a very dangerous illness.
  
  

Dehydration

• Due to diarrhea and fever, there is a very good chance that salmonella infection can result in dehydration. There is an enhanced flow of water leaving the body, and unless it is replaced, this can lead to bodily discomfort, including headaches and muscle pain, as well as a worsening of other symptoms. Drinking copious amounts of water is an important part of recovering from salmonella infection.
  
  

Blood in Stool

• Blood in stool can be caused by a salmonella infection. Blood in stool may be a sign of a tear in the rectum or anus, but it can also be indicative of internal bleeding. This is a serious sign that requires medical attention.