Health officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak in Hopkins County, with 10 confirmed cases and one fatality.
Environmental supervisor for the Hopkins County Health Department Barry Franklin said an investigation has begun to determine the cause of the outbreak.
“We try to find the common commonality among these ten individuals of the foods they’ve eaten and when, all this stuff, to try to narrow it down to certain places,” Franklin said. “Then we’ll go out to those where it’s been narrowed down to, and if they’ve got food left, we’ll sample some and submit it to the state lab in Frankfort for testing.”
Franklin said he received word September 18 that there might be an outbreak. He said times have varied from 12 hours to 4 days for the onset of symptoms, which include diarrhea, fever and vomiting.
Salmonella typically occurs when someone consumes undercooked poultry, beef or eggs. Franklin said that washing your hands is the most important step you can take in safeguarding against salmonella, particularly after handling raw meat.
Franklin said it’s the worst salmonella outbreak he’s seen in 19 years on the job.