Alabama health officials investigate salmonella outbreak in Russellville

Health officials in Alabama are reporting being made aware of a possible salmonella foodborne outbreak in Russellville on Wednesday.

Salmonella
Image/CDC

The Alabama Department of Public Health Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Karen Landers stated that three persons have positive salmonella cultures and nine additional cases are being investigated. The department is gathering information to identify possible common sources.

Salmonella is typically a food-borne illness acquired from contaminated raw poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized milk and cheese products. Thorough cooking kills Salmonella. Food may also become contaminated by the hands of an infected food handler who did not wash hands with soap after using the bathroom.

Salmonella may also be found in the feces of some pets, especially those with diarrhea, and people can become infected if they do not wash their hands after contact with pets or pet feces. Reptiles, such as turtles, lizards, and snakes, are particularly likely to harbor Salmonella.

Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page