An outbreak of Salmonella in Estill County, Kentucky, that has sickened upwards of 40 people, including five adults and one child who have been hospitalized. At least three of those individuals remain hospitalized.
In Irvine, Kentucky, this week, Estill County Judge Executive Wallace Taylor and the Estill County Health Department held a news conference to discuss the outbreak. They are trying to determine the scope of the outbreak, as well as the source of illness to prevent other people from getting sick with painful cramps, fever and diarrhea. In advanced cases, Salmonella bacteria can infect a person’s bloodstream and cause extensive damage. The toxicity of Salmonella can saddle its victims with reactive arthritis, a debilitating disease. It can also lead to life-threatening bacterial meningitis.
Judge Taylor said local health officials are working with the Kentucky Department for Public Health. At this time, it appears people began getting sick at the end of January with gastrointestinal illness. Rapid molecular lab tests were positive for Salmonella, but further testing is needed to properly isolate and identify the bacteria, the officials said at the news conference.
“Six hospitalizations have been reported. Three individuals are currently hospitalized but are expected to fully recover,” the Estill County Emergency Management division said on its Facebook page. “Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections may occur, especially in young infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.”
If you believe you have experienced symptoms of salmonellosis, consult your healthcare provider. They are obliged to report Salmonella cases to the health department to aid officials in stopping the outbreak and discovering what caused it. So far, 19 people have been confirmed as infected by Salmonella out of 41 reported cases of gastrointestinal illness. Numerous test results are pending and there have been six hospitalizations.
