Salmonella Outbreak in Treasure Valley; Central District Health Department Asks Providers to Test Patients with Diarrheal Illness

Since Monday, June 9, 2015, Central District Health Department (CDHD) has received almost 30 reports of individuals testing positive for Salmonella. This is much higher than expected for this time of year.

CDHD is currently investigating each reported case of illness. The epidemiological investigations linked several, but not all cases to a local deli. No specific food item has been implicated yet, but the investigation is ongoing. The deli is working with CDHD to identify possible sources of infection.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
The most common clinical presentation of Salmonella infection is fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and sometimes vomiting. The incubation period for Salmonella is usually 12-36 hours but ranges from 6-72 hours after exposure.

Recommendations
Stool testing for enteric pathogens, including Salmonella, should be considered if a patient has clinically compatible illness.

Daycare, healthcare and food workers with diarrheal illness may be restricted from work and should call CDHD at 327-8625 for instructions or talk to their employee health department.

Please call Communicable Disease Control at 327-8625 to report clusters of patients with gastrointestinal illness and common exposure or for additional information.

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_{SALMONELLA ADVISORY HAN PHYSICIANS JUN 2015}