UPDATE | Salmonella cases confirmed in two Ohio counties

(WSAZ)
Published: Apr. 11, 2019 at 11:18 AM EDT
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UPDATE 4/11/19 @ 1:30 p.m.

Five cases of salmonella have been confirmed in two different counties in Ohio.

Health officials in Lawrence and Scioto counties say they do not consider the salmonella cases as an outbreak, but they say they'd be surprised if more cases don't develop.

"We all are kind of close and go to different farm stores across our county borders so it wouldn't surprise me if others counties are affected," said Molly Davis, a Regional Epidemiologist.

Five cases have been confirmed so far. Four are in Lawrence County and one is in Scioto County.

A couple of the cases involve kids.

"A lot of people buy poultry around this time because it's Easter and they think chicks are cute and people want to raise chickens and have eggs," said Davis.

Health officials say most of the cases are coming from live chickens, especially chicks.

Health officials say people are getting the bacteria from chicks that were bought at local farm supply stores. The names of the stores, however, are not being released.

Officials say they are also working to track down the hatchery where the chicks came from.

Salmonellosis is a GI illness that causes diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. Sometimes the symptoms can last up to seven days.

The symptoms usually develop within 12-36 hours after a person has been infected.

Health officials urge those who handle chickens or any livestock to wash their hands immediately afterward. Officials say that is the best way to prevent salmonella.

Salmonella is typically transmitted through contact with livestock or through food contamination. Direct person-to-person contact is uncommon.

If you believe you or a family member has been affected and you have purchased live poultry from a local farm supply, you're urged to call the Regional Epidemiologist Molly Davis at 740-354-8931.


ORIGINAL STORY 4/11/19

A health alert has been issued out of Scioto County after several people have become sick after buying a certain type of chicken.

The salmonella cases have been reported by people living in Scioto and Lawrence counties.

Portsmouth City, Scioto County and Lawrence County health departments are reporting several people have become sick after purchasing chickens from local farm supply stores, according to a news release. The names of the local farm supply stores have not been released.

Salmonellosis is a GI illness that causes diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. Sometimes the symptoms can last up to seven days.

The symptoms usually develop within 12-36 after a person has been infected.

If you believe you or a family member has been affected and you have purchased live poultry from a local farm supply, you're urged to call the Regional Epidemiologist Molly Davis at 740-354-8931.