A deadly Salmonella outbreak is spreading across western Kentucky, according to Food Safety News.
The outbreak has spread across three counties and has reportedly infected 15 people and caused one death. The outbreak is reportedly also to blame for sending five people to local hospitals.
According to Kentucky's Cabinet of Health and Family Services the counties of Hopkins, Webster and Muhlenberg have reported cases. State and local officials have pegged Casa Mexicana in Madisonville as the source of the outbreak.
A genetic "fingerprint" has linked at least eight of the cases with four pending, the local NBC news channel reported. The restaurant is now under inspection.
Salmonella infections are common. In most cases, individuals don't require medical intervention. Symptoms, which occur within the first eight to 72 hours, include diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, nausea, chills and fever. Symptoms are known to last about four to seven days.
Recently 21 people in New Hampshire became ill after becoming infected with salmonella from pet treats, Joey's Jerky. According to The Concord Monitor, the minor outbreak has prompted a recall of the Joey's Jerky brand chicken jerky, a dog treat, made by Kritter's Kitchen Kreations.
"While uncommon, pet food and treats can sometimes be contaminated with salmonella, which is why it is so important for pet owners to wash their hands after handling pet food and treats," Dr. José Montero, public health director of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, said in a statement.
In August, the New Mexico Health Department said it's identified a poultry hatchery that sells live baby chickens, ducks and other poultry by mail and supplies them to feed stores, as the source of a nationwide salmonella outbreak.
According to the United Press International, health officials announced on Monday that the outbreak, which sickened 316 people in 37 states, was traced back to a duck pen at Privett Hatchery in Portales, N.M., No deaths have been reported, but 51 people have been hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children ages 10 and younger account for nearly three-fifths of those who've become ill.
The Health Department recommends people young and old take the following preventive measures such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after touching live baby birds. Adults should supervise children and keep them from kissing or rubbing the animal onto their bodies.