The Marquette County Health Department has issued a press release about a “small Salmonella outbreak among residents.” There is no information on the release about the number of people sickened, whether or not anyone has been hospitalized, or if a particular food or restaurant is to blame.
In the past Salmonella outbreaks have bene linked to undercooked poultry, undercooked and raw eggs, contaminated greens and other produce, especially hot peppers and herbs. This year, Salmonella outbreaks have been linked to Cilantro Fresh Mexican Grill in New Haven, Connecticut, to backyard poultry flocks, to at least one restaurant in Boston, and to Duffy’s Bar and Grill in Osseo, Minnesota.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and a fever. These symptoms usually begin 6 to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria. Most people recover without medical treatment within a week, but some, especially young children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and those with compromised immune systems may need to be hospitalized because their symptoms are so severe.
Foods can be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria in the field, during harvest, or during processing, transport, or storage. But you can reduce your risk for contracting this infection by following a few tips.
Do not drink raw milk or eat unpasteurized dairy products. Always rinse produce, even fruits and vegetables that you peel, before eating them. Avoid cross-contamination of foods between raw meats, poultry, eggs, and fish and foods that are eaten uncooked. And always thoroughly wash your hands, cutting boards, counters, and utensils after handling uncooked foods. Don’t prepare food for others when you are sick, especially if you have a diarrheal illness. And always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the bathroom, changing a diaper, or taking care of someone who is sick.
Always cook poultry to a final internal temperature of 165°F. Do not serve eggs that are undercooked. And keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Promptly refrigerate perishable foods.
If you have a backyard poultry flock, do not let children handle them unsupervised. Don’t let chickens or chicks into your home. Wash your hands well after handling the birds, and remove clothing you used when working around them before going back into the house. Other animals, such as reptiles, can also carry this bacteria. Wash your hands well after handling them.
