The Broome County Health Department in New York has determined that the illness affecting more than 300 people at the Broome County Correctional Facility is a salmonella infection.
The Broome County Sheriff’s Office and Health Department issued a joint statement May 27 saying “multiple test results” confirmed the infection spreading at the facility was salmonella, a bacterial infection that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms. Salmonella infections are most commonly caused by contaminated food.
In a previous press release issued the morning of May 27, the health department and sheriff’s office said several inmates reported symptoms to medical staff at the facility on May 25. Within the next 24 hours, more than 140 people saw doctors with similar symptoms.
The Department of Health initially believed the illness was caused by norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness.
Test results returned May 27 confirmed Salmonella, a foodborne pathogen, as the cause of the illness at the facility. The Ministry of Health’s treatment of infected people remains the same as that for norovirus. In other words, it focuses on replacing lost fluids to prevent dehydration.
High-risk patients, including those who are immunocompromised or elderly, will also receive antibiotics as needed, as directed by the health department and facility health care providers, according to a press release.
According to a news release, the correctional facility has been working with the Department of Health, the New York State Department of Health and food service provider Trinity Services Group to investigate and test for all possible sources of contamination.
In response to the illnesses and complaints, the Department of Health conducted a full inspection of the correctional facility’s kitchen on May 26. The inspection reportedly revealed no significant violations in the facility, equipment or food preparation area.
According to standard policy, all meal samples provided at correctional facilities are packaged, refrigerated and kept for five days to guard against possible contamination, according to a press release. Meals dating back a few days before the illness was first reported are now being tested to help determine the cause, and the health department will also survey all inmates to help determine exposure and contact.
Additionally, the facility is thoroughly cleaning any exposed surfaces or areas within the prison, and any food supplies used on site prior to the outbreak are stored for testing and then disposed of.
