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MORGANTOWN -- Monongalia County Health Department is currently investigating a higher-than-normal number of reported Salmonella infection cases within the county.
Health officials are actively working to determine whether these cases represent an ongoing outbreak or a closed event, as well as whether there is any continued risk of exposure to the general public.
At this time, there is no known source or common link identified among the reported cases, though the investigation remains active and ongoing. To date, there have been a few hospitalizations and no reported deaths.
MCHD urges anyone who has experienced symptoms of a Salmonella infection over the past two weeks to alert their primary care provider.
Key symptoms to monitor include multiple episodes of diarrhea per day (with or without blood in the stool), diarrhea accompanied by or without a fever, and abdominal pain or cramping.
While officials work to identify the root cause, the public is encouraged to practice general food safety and hygiene precautions:
— Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling raw food.
— Cook food thoroughly, particularly poultry, ground beef, and eggs, to safe internal temperatures.
— Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods and washing cutting boards and utensils after use.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available through the investigation.