According to news reports, the Salmonella outbreak that is associated with the Boise Co-op has increased to 60 people, from 30 reported on Friday, June 12, 2015. The last update by the Central District Health Department was on Saturday, June 13, 2015.
There is a notice on the CDHD web site stating that “Due to the large volume of calls and messages we are receiving in response to a Salmonella outbreak under investigation, we are unable to respond to each phone or online report.” At the same time, officials are asking people to report possible food poisoning to the CDHD through an online form. Officials have also set up an information number (208) 321-2264, not for reporting illnesses, but for questions about the illness.
KBOI is reporting that the Salmonella outbreak rapidly increased over the weekend, and that 60 cases are “linked by lab work to the deli.” At least forty more complaints have been reported to CDHD and officials are investigating.
Food and environmental samples have been taken by public health officials, and they are awaiting lab results. Officials are also interviewing people who became ill. The first report of illness was received on June 9, 2015.
Officials recommend that anyone who purchased food from the deli after June 1, 2015 should discard it in a sealed container. The Boise Co-op voluntarily closed on Monday, June 15, 2015 as part of the investigation.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, chills, headache, muscle pains, and blood in the stool. These symptoms usually appear within 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Most people get better within a week, but some people can be so ill they must be hospitalized. Long term complications of a Salmonella infection include reactive arthritis, so it’s important to see a doctor even if you are only mildly ill.
