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Active Public Health Alert
July 31, 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:
For more information on salmonellosis in Williamson County go to
Salmonella Updates.
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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