Salmonella outbreak makes way to Texas

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Texas Department of Health Services is investigating a salmonella outbreak that has reportedly sickened 388 people in 42 states, including five in Texas. There has already been one confirmed case in Travis County.

TDHS official Doug McBride said though these cases are spread out, they are connected by the genetic match of the bacteria involved. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not named all the states involved. McBride confirmed cases of salmonella typhimurium in recent months in the Rio Grande Valley and Travis and Harris counties, though he did add the cases appear to be unrelated.

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12- to 72 hours later. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. Officials said steps to protect against illness include careful handling of raw meat and frequent hand washing.

The salmonella typhimurium strain can be contracted from:

• contaminated eggs
• poultry
• raw milk
• cheese
• live turtles
• swine
• iguana