Public Health Muskegon County is investigating a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 15 people so far. Those results have been confirmed by laboratory tests. Fourteen Muskegon County residents and one Ottawa county resident are ill. There is no word on hospitalizations, and no information about what may have caused the outbreak.
Most people get sick with Salmonella infections from eating contaminated food. Foods typically associated with a Salmonella outbreak include poultry, eggs, unpasteurized milk, and cheese made from unpasteurized milk. People can also get sick if they eat food prepared by a person with salmonellosis who did not wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom.
Turtles, lizards, snakes, and live poultry can also harbor the bacteria. And pets such as dogs and cats can acquire the bacteria from contaminated pet food or treats and pass it on to people.
Most people with Salmonella get sick 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, chills, and headache. The illness usually lasts four to seven days. Most people get better without treatment, but some may need to be hospitalized. Complications of a Salmonella infection can include Reiter’s syndrome, which can lead to chronic arthritis. If you have experienced these symptoms, see your health care provider as soon as possible.
