Seventy people in Newton County, GA have been sickened in a Salmonella outbreak that has been ongoing since May 4, according to county health officials. Four people have been hospitalized.
Health officials have not yet identified the food source of the outbreak and have not issued any advice to consumers. In that multi-state outbreak, 265 people were sickened by Salmonella in chicken salad sold at Fareway grocery stores. Ninety-four people were hospitalized and one of them died. Most of the cases were in Iowa where 240 people fell ill. The remaining cases were reported from: Illinois (10); Indiana (1); Minnesota (4); Mississippi (1); Nebraska (5); South Dakota (3); and Wisconsin (1).
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Usually, these symptoms appear within 12 to 72 hours of exposure and last three to four days. In a certain percentage of cases, diarrhea can be so severe that hospitalization is required. These patients can face life-threatening illnesses if the infection travels from the intestines to the bloodstream. Each year in the U.S., 1.2 million develop a Salmonella infection. Of those, about 23,000 are hospitalized, and 450 die.
The Newton County outbreak is not related to the ongoing Salmonella outbreak associated with eggs from Rose Acre Farms. Newton County officials said the investigation is ongoing and they will provide updates when they have more information. Anyone who believes they are part of this outbreak should see a doctor and get tested.
You can contact our team of experienced Salmonella lawyers about your Salmonella illness. Or reach them in their offices by calling 1 (888) 377-8900 (toll-free). Pritzker Hageman represents clients nationwide. The consultation is free and there is no obligation.