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Active Public Health Alert
June 30, 2008
Federal, state and local authorities continue to investigate a multi-state
outbreak of the Saintpaul strain of the Salmonella bacteria.
For more information from DSHS, CDC, and the FDA go to:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html
As of June 30, the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) has
investigated twenty-six cases of salmonellosis with symptoms starting in May or
June, 2008. Nine of these cases have been confirmed as Saintpaul. Two additional
salmonellosis cases remain under investigation. For more information on
salmonellosis in Williamson County go to
Salmonella Updates.
Prior to May 2008, WCCHD investigated eleven cases of salmonellosis in 2008.
Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. Most persons
infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72
hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons
recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so
severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the
Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and
then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated
promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune
systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
For more information on salmonellosis go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/salmonellosis_gi.html
All residents and health professionals are encouraged to report any unusual
occurrence of disease or groups of people experiencing similar symptoms or
conditions by calling the WCCHD Communicable Disease Management Team at
512-943-3660.
To report a public health emergency:
Call 911 for all medical or life-threatening emergencies. The public
may report public health emergencies to WCCHD Monday-Friday between the
hours of 8am-5pm at (512) 943-3660 or (512) 943-3600. To report public
health emergencies on weekends, after-hours, or holidays call (512)
943-1389. The Department of State Health Services may be contacted
after-hours at 1-800-252-8239.
See also:
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