The Buncombe County Department of Health (BCDOH) is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Paratyphi B infection in that county in North Carolina.
As of April 27, 2012, 27 people have become ill with this bacteria. The outbreak began on February 28, 2012. Public health officials are looking at food sources that “may be linked to the outbreak.” The bacteria is found in human intestines and is spread by food and water contaminated with feces of a sick person or by direct contact.
As other cases are reported, they are investigated to see whether or not they are linked to this outbreak. If you live in that county and are ill, please see your doctor and ask her to report your illness to health officials.
The symptoms of Salmonella Paratyphi B begin 6 to 30 days after exposure. They may include a gradually increasing fever to 103 or 104 degrees, fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, stomach pain, and sometimes bloody diarrhea. The gram-negative bacteria causes “enteric fever” in people that is similar to typhoid fever. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection.
You can learn more about this bacteria by reading the fact sheet put out by the BCDOH. A hotline has been set up to handle questions; call 1-828-250-5300 for an automated message or to speak with a Communicable Disease Nurse.
