West Virginia Salmonella Outbreak Reaches 41 Cases, Five Hospitalized as Search for Source Continues

Folks, here's one worth paying attention to before you start cooking for the week. West Virginia health officials are tracking a salmonella outbreak that has made 41 people sick across the state since early September.

The West Virginia Department of Health sent out a health advisory to doctors, hospitals and labs on October 28 about a rise in cases of Salmonella Typhimurium, one of the most commonly reported types of salmonella in the country.

What we know so far

According to the state health department, 41 cases have been reported since early September. The people who got sick range in age from 3 to 54, and five of them have been hospitalized.

Here's the part that has investigators digging: no common source has been found yet. Health officials say exposures are still under investigation. So far, no cases outside West Virginia have been linked to this outbreak, which officials say points to a localized event right here at home.

How people catch it

The health department says this type of salmonella is picked up mainly through contaminated food or water, or through contact with infected animals and the places they live. Most people get better without antibiotics, but the infection can turn serious for young children, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system.

What doctors are being asked to do

The advisory asks health care providers to consider salmonella when patients come in with sudden diarrhea, to order stool testing, and to collect samples before starting antibiotics when they can. If a rapid test comes back positive, providers are asked to make sure a stool culture is done too. Cases are supposed to be reported to the local health department in the patient's home county within 72 hours.

Labs are also being asked to send salmonella samples along for genetic sequencing, which helps public health workers connect cases and track down where an outbreak started.

Looking out for each other

Until investigators find the source, the everyday basics go a long way: wash your hands well, especially after handling raw meat, eggs or animals, keep cutting boards and counters clean, and cook food all the way through. If you or someone in your family comes down with a bad stomach bug that won't quit, don't tough it out. Call your doctor, especially for little ones and older loved ones.

We'll keep an eye on this one and share any update from state health officials as soon as it comes.