Bear River Health Department Investigating Local Salmonella Cases
Logan, UT — The Bear River Health Department (BRHD) is investigating a Salmonella outbreak after identifying 21 confirmed cases in Cache and Box Elder Counties. BRHD is actively investigating the source of the illness and taking steps to limit further spread.
What is Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can cause gastrointestinal illness. People typically become infected by consuming contaminated food or water or through contact with infected animals or their environments. Salmonella can also spread from person to person when someone who is infected does not wash their hands properly after using the restroom.
Symptoms of Salmonella
Symptoms typically begin 6 hours to 6 days after infection and can include:
Diarrhea, which may sometimes be bloody
Fever
Stomach or abdominal cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Who is at risk
Most people recover without medical treatment within several days. However, Salmonella can cause more serious illness, particularly in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider, especially if symptoms are severe or do not improve. People who are sick should stay home when possible and practice good hand hygiene to avoid spreading the illness to others.
Prevention
The best ways to prevent Salmonella infection include washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, handling animals or their food, and before preparing or eating food. Avoid preparing food for others while experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. Follow food safety practices, including cooking foods to safe temperatures, preventing cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods, and refrigerating perishable foods promptly.
People should also take precautions when interacting with animals, particularly reptiles, amphibians, livestock, and poultry, which can carry Salmonella bacteria even when they appear healthy.
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