Local media in South Bend, Indiana, reported that about 20 inmates at the county jail were part of a salmonella outbreak.
Twenty-three inmates at the St. Joseph County Jail became ill on April 29 with symptoms including diarrhea, dehydration and fever. According to ABC57 News, prison medical staff determined the illness was caused by salmonella.
County and state health departments are conducting testing and working to determine the source of the salmonella.
The sheriff reported that the prison kitchen was inspected by the health department on April 25, just five days before the outbreak began. The prison kitchen passed the inspection with no serious violations found. Prison kitchen staff immediately corrected two minor violations involving standing water on the floor near the dishwasher and mold found on a wire rack in a walk-in cooler.
Currently, most inmates have fully recovered, and some continue to be treated for food poisoning symptoms. Jail staff will continue to work with jail food service providers, jail health care providers, and county and state health departments to determine the immediate cause of the illness so any necessary corrective action can be taken.
About salmonella infection
Food contaminated with salmonella typically does not look, smell or taste spoiled. Anyone can get sick from a salmonella infection. Infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness because their immune systems are weaker.
Symptoms of salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Healthy adults usually become sick for 4 to 7 days. However, in some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that hospitalization may be necessary.
People with weakened immune systems, such as older adults, children, pregnant women, and cancer patients, are more likely to develop serious and sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people become infected without feeling sick or showing any symptoms. However, they can still spread the infection to other people.
