Why can Salmonella infections be especially dangerous for infants and older adults?

Salmonella infections, or salmonellosis, can be particularly dangerous for infants and older adults because these groups are more susceptible to severe complications, such as profound dehydration or systemic bloodstream infections.12

While healthy individuals typically recover from the standard symptoms of nausea, fever, and diarrhea within a few days, the illness poses a higher risk to those with weakened immune systems, including the elderly and very young children. Specifically, in infants under one year of age, the bacteria frequently invade the bloodstream, which necessitates prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent life-threatening outcomes.123

Because eggs are a known source of Salmonella, it is essential to prioritize food safety by cooking them thoroughly and avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked products to protect these vulnerable populations.12