Fifteen people in western Kentucky have been sickened with Salmonella infections. One person has died. Officials are working to see if the cases in Webster, Hopkins and Muhlenberg counties are linked, according to local news reports.
In Hopkins County, there are 10 confirmed cases of Salmonella infection. So far, DNA testing by state officials has determined that five of them were caused by the same strain of Salmonella Type B Typhimurium, according to local news reports. Test results on the other cases are pending.
Salmonella infections happen when someone eats food that is contaminated with microscopic amounts of fecal matter. Cooking meat, poultry and eggs to a safe temperature is one way to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Others include storing and holding food at a safe temperature, washing hands after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection, called salmonellosis, include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea which may be bloody. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 72 hours of exposure and can last up to a week. If you live in western Kentucky and have these symptoms, see your doctor.
