According to the Idaho Central District Health Department, nearly 30 people have been sickened with Salmonella illnesses. There is a “possible link” to the Boise Co-op. But, other cases not associated with that facility have been reported.
CDHD is working with the Boise Co-op to find the source of the pathogenic bacteria. Several food samples have been sent to the state public health lab for testing; results are pending. Lab tests have not yet confirmed whether all of those sickened have the same strain of Salmonella.
If you have been sick with the symptoms of Salmonella and have visited the Boise Co-op, see your doctor. Those symptoms include diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms usually begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Foods that may carry this bacteria include raw and undercooked meat, eggs, poultry, seafood, raw eggs, and fruits and vegetables.
Salmonella is a reportable illness, so if you do have it, your doctor will report it to the government. If you are sick with a diarrheal illness, stay home until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours.
To help prevent a Salmonella infection, cook poultry, ground meats, and eggs to well done, or 160°F on a food thermometer. Do not eat or drink foods containing raw eggs or raw milk. Wash your hands, utensils, work surfaces, and dishes with soap and water right after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry.
In addition, wash hands with soap and water after handling reptiles, birds, baby chicks, and pet feces. Avoid contact between reptiles and infants or immunocompromised people.
