A Salmonella outbreak has sickened patients who “spent time” in four Pennsylvania healthcare facilities in the southeastern part of the state, according to a health advisory issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The facilities in question are two hospitals and two long-term care facilities. At least 29 people are sick in this Pennsylvania healthcare facilities Salmonella outbreak.
Illness onset dates range from November 19 through November 30, 2019. Officials are identifying cases, ensuring appropriate clinical management, and implementing prevention strategies to try to contain this outbreak. A Salmonella infection is reportable in Pennsylvania; that means that any Salmonella diagnosis must be reported to officials.
The advisory tells healthcare facilities to report any outbreaks to public health authorities. It also told doctors to be on the lookout for any patients who present with diarrhea, especially if they have a fever. Those physicians should obtain a stool sample and test for bacterial pathogens.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include a fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal and stomach cramps, headache, and diarrhea that may be bloody. Although most people recover on their own from this infection, and why so few cases are reported in every outbreak, some people do become ill enough to be hospitalized, and some people so die every year from salmonellosis. If you or someone you know has been ill with these symptoms, see your doctor. You may be part of this Pennsylvania healthcare facility Salmonella outbreak.
Food safety expert Fred Pritzker said, “Unfortunately this pathogen can be spread person to person, so we hope that officials in Pennsylvania find the source of the bacteria.” If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with food poisoning, you can contact Fred for help by calling 1-888-377-8900.
People who are immunocompromised, small children, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions are more likely to suffer from a severe infection and develop complications such as blood stream infections and meningitis.
Symptoms usually begin 12 to 72 hours after they have been exposed to this bacteria, whether exposure occurs from contaminated food or drink, touching contaminated surfaces, or from another person. Most illnesses last for five to seven days.
The healthcare facilities in question were not named. There was no information about the ages of the patients or if any have been hospitalized because of their illness. And there was no mention of a specific source. More patients may be added to the case count because it takes time from when a person feels ill to a diagnosis and informing public health officials.
There can be long term complications from a Salmonella infection, including reactive arthritis, endocarditis, high blood pressure, and irritable bowel syndrome. This complications can occur even after a patient has completely recovered.
