York Town News
Maine CDC confirms York County link to nationwide Salmonella cases
Jennifer L. Saunders
YORK - The Department of Health and Human Services' Maine Center for Disease Control announced Tuesday that eight people have been identified with Salmonella Typhimurium, the form of Salmonella associated with the national outbreak that was confirmed on Monday, Oct. 30.Each of the cases originated in York Country or Cumberland County, with five of those identified being children. No information was immediately available on the towns involved.
The onset of symptoms among those diagnosed in Maine occurred between Sept. 19 and Oct. 3. All those identified have fully recovered, according to Maine CDC, with only one being hospitalized.
Although no definite cause has been found for these eight infections, the Maine CDC has been working closely with New Hampshire officials, since several of those involved purchased or ate food in New Hampshire, where health officials have also noted infections during this same time period.
According to the U.S. CDC, "Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most persons recover without treatment."
In some cases, however, individuals require hospitalization and antibiotics to prevent the illness from being fatal, according to the CDC.
"The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness," according to definitions compiled by the CDC.
Although an underlying cause is not yet know in the recent outbreak, the Maine CDC is asking residents to focus on the importance of frequently disinfecting kitchen utensils, sponges and cloths, counter tops and cutting boards; keeping raw meats, poultry products and fish separate from other foods; washing all fresh fruits and vegetables, and frequently washing their hands.
The number of reports of Salmonella infections in Maine has ranged from 110 to 168 in the past six years, according to the Maine CDC< with about 100 reports to date this year.
For information updates, visit www.mainepublichealth.gov.
