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Sources Of Local Salmonella Cases Not Confirmed, Health Department Says

The sources of contamination in three cases of salmonella here have not yet been confirmed, according to Sandra Bell, director of the Ste. Genevieve County Health Department, but in at least two of the cases, there does not appear to be a connection with recent massive egg recalls.

“I understand that there is concern following the recent egg recall, but it is not uncommon for the health department to investigate several cases of salmonella each month originating from a large variety of sources,” Bell said this weekend, who added that the three cases occurred over the last six weeks.

On August 13, the Food & Drug Administration issued a recall of eggs from three farms operated by Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa. On August 18 the recall was expanded to all five of Wright County’s farm operations and some 380 million eggs.

“The source and strain of salmonella in two of the cases in this county are not suspected to be associated with the recent egg recall,” Bell said. “We have to wait for the completion of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lab testing to identify the specific strain of salmonella in the third case before we know the cause. But a recent check of local facilities by our environmental inspector did not find any of the recalled eggs being sold in the county.”

Bell said testing can take up to four weeks.

According to Bell salmonella cases are not unusual, especially this time of year with outdoor picnics and family gatherings.

“We also see an increase in cases around the holidays,” Bell said. “And whatever the source, people can get a high level of protection by taking a few simple steps to prevent contamination.”

Preventive measures include proper food storage (refrigerate at 41 degrees); washing hands, work surfaces, and utensils with soap and water immediately after contact with raw or undercooked eggs, meat, or poultry; cooking all meats and, egg products, thoroughly; not consuming foods containing raw or undercooked eggs or raw unpasteurized milk; and washing hands with soap and water after handling reptiles, baby chicks or ducklings, or after contact with pet feces.