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Overview
Children under 5 are at risk.
Wash hands.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayFever or bloody diarrhea.
See a doctor soonNot usually urgent.
Causes
Caused by salmonella.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause contact with reptiles, turtles, or backyard chickens. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Salmonella from pets (reptiles or backyard chickens)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
Turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, and backyard chickens and ducks often carry salmonella, even when they look healthy.
What you can do at home
- Wash hands after handling.
Medicines
Fluids; antibiotics sometimes.
At the doctor
Stool tests.
Questions you may be asked
- Animals
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
- Stool test
Prevention
Hygiene.
- Wash hands
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.