Short answer: symptoms from eating raw chicken can appear at varying times depending on the bacteria involved, but most people notice symptoms within hours to several days. The most common culprits are Salmonella and Campylobacter, and incubation times can range from about 6 hours up to 5 days or more, with symptoms lasting several days to a week in many cases. Always seek medical care if you have severe symptoms, dehydration, or if you’re in a high-risk group (young children, pregnant people, older adults, or immune- compromised). What happens and when (general guidance)
- Salmonella: symptoms typically start within 6 hours to 2 days after exposure, often including diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and nausea. Most people recover within a few days to a week .
- Campylobacter: symptoms usually begin 2 to 5 days after exposure, with diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal cramps, fever, and nausea. Illness generally lasts about a week, though recovery can take longer in some cases .
- Other bacteria (less common): Clostridium perfringens can cause symptoms within 8 to 24 hours and often resolves within 24 hours to a few days .
Important notes
- Even a small amount of contaminated raw chicken can cause illness in some people, though risk varies by individual factors and the specific bacteria present .
- If symptoms are severe (profound dehydration, high fever, prolonged vomiting, blood in stool), or if there are underlying health concerns, contact a healthcare provider promptly .
- For safety, avoid handling raw poultry carelessly, wash hands and surfaces thoroughly, and cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria in general practice. If you’re unsure about exposure risk or symptoms, reaching out to a clinician is prudent .
If you’d like, I can tailor this to your age, health status, and location, or help you decide when to seek urgent care based on the specific symptoms you’re experiencing.
