According to news reports, there are now 10 cases of Salmonella confirmed in Hopkins County, Kentucky. One person has died as a result of their illness. An investigation has begun to try to discover the cause of this outbreak.
Investigators interview patients and usually have them fill out a questionnaire asking what they have eaten, where they bought it, if they ate at a restaurant, and other questions about their activities in the past few weeks. Any common source is investigated and tested to see if bacteria are found that match the one that made these people sick.
Salmonella outbreaks are usually linked to undercooked poultry or beef, undercooked or raw eggs, and contaminated produce. Cooking meats to a safe temperature, avoiding cross-contamination, holding food at a safe temperature, and washing hands thoroughly before, during and after food preparation are the best ways to avoid illness.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea which may be bloody, fever, chills, and headache. Symptoms usually begin 12 hours to 4 days after exposure, and people are usually sick for four days to a week. If you live in this area and have been experiencing symptoms of salmonellosis, please see your doctor and contact public health officials. Your case could be the one that solves the outbreak.
