A Salmonella outbreak at Aims Community College in Greeley, Colorado has sickened at least eight people, according to the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. Officials think that the illnesses may be associated with catered events that were held at the college on February 9 and February 13, 2018.
The February 9 event has one confirmed Salmonella case; about 70 people attended. The February 13 event has 2 confirmed cases; about 400 people attended the event.
Of the eight confirmed cases, 6 adults live in Weld County, 1 lives in Larimer, and 1 in Boulder County. The events were catered by an outside restaurant called the Burrito Delight, which is located in Fort Lupton. The restaurant is c closed while officials investigate this outbreak. Officials did not say if anyone has been hospitalized in this outbreak. And the specific serotype of Salmonella has not been mentioned.
Dr. Mark E. Wallace, Executive Director of the Weld County Health Department said in a statement, “Salmonella is a bacteria that causes symptoms like diarrhea, upset stomach, fever, and occasionally vomiting. Symptoms typically last 4 to 7 days, and most people recover on their own. Anyone who suspects they became ill should contact their health care provider.” For some people, the diarrhea may become so severe that they require hospitalization. Symptoms typically appear 6-72 hours after eating contaminated food and will typically last for 4 to 7 days without treatment. However, in severe cases, the symptoms may last longer.”
If you attended one of those events and have been experiencing those symptoms, call the Health Department at 970-304-6410. Salmonella infections usually clear up on their own, but some people can suffer serious heath issues, especially if they have underlying conditions. And even if you recover completely, long term health consequences can be severe, including endocarditis, high blood pressure, and reactive arthritis.
The experienced law firm of Pritzker Hageman helps people sickened by contaminated food protect their legal rights, and get compensation and justice. Our lawyers represent patients and the families of children sickened with bacterial infections in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against retailers, food producers, food processors, restaurants, schools, and others. Attorney Fred Pritzker recently won $7.5 million for young client whose kidneys failed because of hemolytic uremic syndrome after an E. coli infection. You should know that class action lawsuits may not be appropriate for outbreak victims because the cases are quite unique.
