Salmonella is a bacterium that occurs naturally in fish and meat, but can cause severe illness in humans if ingested. Symptoms of salmonella are typically severe and include vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, abdominal cramps and fever within eight to 72 hours of eating a contaminated product.[1][2] If untreated, it can be life-threatening, especially to those with weakened immune systems. Human contamination was first documented from salmon consumption, hence the name "Salmonella." However, in more recent times, cases of salmonella have usually resulted from chickens and other poultry. Contaminated food should be cooked thoroughly or sterilized in boiling water. While most human cases have resulted from contact with contaminated food, pets and wildlife can also transmit the disease.