Salmonella cases still rising in Mid-Missouri

In this Monday, May 17, 2010 file photo, Dr. Mansour Samadpour points out a growth of of salmonella in a petri dish at IEH Laboratories in Lake Forest Park, Wash.
In this Monday, May 17, 2010 file photo, Dr. Mansour Samadpour points out a growth of of salmonella in a petri dish at IEH Laboratories in Lake Forest Park, Wash.

More salmonella cases continue to be reported in Mid-Missouri, bringing the total to 36 as of Monday.

Fourteen of the 36 reported cases involve individuals who ate at the same Jefferson City restaurant, said Cole County Health Department Director Kristi Campbell, noting those numbers include cases from Cole as well as surrounding counties.

"It is a very common salmonella strain that is in eggs and chicken," Campbell said.

She did not specify the restaurant in question, as inspections and code enforcement of restaurants in city limits are under the city's jurisdiction, but said the city and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MODHSS) are working with the restaurant.

Campbell noted lab results from all 36 reported cases show the same Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern. PFGE testing identifies the specific fingerprint of the salmonella strain. The MODHSS State Public Health Laboratory performs these tests in Missouri. 

"We are working with MODHSS to monitor the disease reports and continuing to do further questionnaires with the sick individuals to find commonalities," Campbell said.

Officials first noticed the increase in reported cases in early April, with first onset of illnesses occurring from April 5-11, Campbell has said previously.

When a foodborne disease outbreak is detected, public health officials interview affected individuals and gather information, while regulatory officials may inspect food establishments to find the likely source of the outbreak, according to a news release from the county health department.

Through interviews with individuals diagnosed with salmonella, health department officials noted several food establishments were named, while some of those affected had not eaten at any restaurants.

Most people infected with salmonella develop symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal cramping and a low-grade fever with 12-72 hours of infection, according to the health department's news release. The illness typically lasts four to seven days and typically does not require treatment.

Those with persistent symptoms or dehydration should seek medical attention.