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Public Health Alert Update: Salmonella Outbreak Investigation Continues

Last Updated on June 9, 2014 5:05 pm

The investigation into reports of illness associated with having eaten at Proper restaurant in Boone is ongoing according to officials with Appalachian District Health Department. The number of people reporting symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, within three days of having eaten at Proper has been growing. As of 1pm on Monday, June 9th, there were 37 individuals with signs and symptoms consistent with Salmonellosis. Seven of these individuals are confirmed cases. None have been hospitalized and none died.

The Health Department is asking anyone who ate food or drank beverages from Proper Restaurant (142 S Water Street, Boone, NC) on or after Saturday, May 17, and started having diarrhea within three days of eating or drinking to call the department at 828-264-6635. If individuals call after hours or on the weekend, they should stay on the line to be connected to our on-call staff.

To stop the further spread of the illness, the Health Department advises that meats and eggs be thoroughly cooked before eating, only consume products that have been pasteurized, and thoroughly wash hands after dealing with animals, before eating or preparing foods for others, and after using the restroom.

Ill people need to make sure they are staying hydrated and should seek medical care from their private doctor, urgent care or emergency room if their diarrhea and/or vomiting symptoms don’t improve.

SALMONELLOSIS (commonly called “Salmonella infection”) is an infection caused by bacteria called Salmonella. It is transmitted by food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces of an infected animal or person. Many animals carry Salmonella and it doesn’t make them sick. It can also be found in unpasteurized egg and milk products. It is commonly transmitted via the fecal-oral route, from one infected person to another. Symptoms may be mild and a person can continue to carry Salmonella for weeks after symptoms have subsided.

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