What is the primary symptom of salmonellosis?

• A. Vomiting
• B. Severe diarrhea
• C. Severe intestinal cramps
• D. High fever and diarrhea causing dehydration

Answer: (B)

Salmonellosis mainly shows up as diarrhea. The infection irritates the lining of the small and large intestine, causing the intestines to secrete more fluid and to move contents through faster. That combination produces frequent, watery stools—the symptom patients notice most and what the exam treats as the defining feature. Vomiting and abdominal cramps can occur, and fever can happen, but diarrhea is the characteristic symptom that drives care and concerns like dehydration. So, when asked for the primary symptom, diarrhea (often severe enough to lead to dehydration) fits best with the typical clinical presentation.