Source of Salmonella Outbreak Affecting MN Remains a Mystery
Atlanta, GA (KROC-AM News) - Federal health officials say investigators are still working to identify the source of a nationwide Salmonella outbreak that continues to spread and sicken people in dozens of states.
At last report, the number of confirmed cases in Minnesota had grown to nearly 20. Nationwide, there are now 279 confirmed illnesses in 29 states. The number of cases more doubled from the previous week and the number of states with confirmed cases grew by 4. No deaths have been reported, but there have been 26 hospitalizations.
"Salmonella infection can cause a variety of symptoms. Most commonly, it causes some abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea," says Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a Mayo Clinic pediatric infectious diseases physician. "However, people who have weakened immune systems, young children, pregnant women or people who have other issues with their digestive system may have more severe symptoms."
According to the Mayo Clinic News Network, diarrhea caused by the infection causes severe dehydration and requires immediate medical attention. Life-threatening complications can also occur if the bacterial infection spreads outside of the digestive system.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is asking anyone who develops symptoms of a Salmonella infection to contact their health care provider and work with their local health department to assist investigators working to identify the source of the bacteria.
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