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.