ACCOMACK CO., Va. — Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Accomack County has seen 52 patients with symptoms of salmonella starting Sunday morning until Tuesday afternoon, hospital leaders tell News 3.
Leaders with the Accomack County Health Department say they think patients potentially contracted salmonella at a “private event," and they believe the food was not stored at the right temperature.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people get salmonella from contaminated food.
Salmonella cases are more common in the summer, since warmer weather and unrefrigerated foods create ideal conditions for salmonella bacteria to grow, the CDC adds. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. In rare cases, it can lead to death, especially for the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
News 3's Kelsey Jones tracked down an attendee who went to the "private event" and spoke with him about the outbreak.
"I came to the hospital to visit my sister-in-law because she's ill and under the weather, with some food she ate. It took her down, and we're praying the lord will restore her back. Right now we just trust God, that's all we can do," said Carl Owens, who attended the private event.
Although Carl did not eat any food, he says he's concerned for the people who did.
Health experts say the ways you can protect yourself from food-borne illnesses are:
- Monitor cooking temperatures
- Cross-contamination prevention, such as using separate cutting boards, utensils and plates for raw and cooked foods
- Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold
- Be aware of proper storage
In the meantime, Owens is hoping for a speedy recovery not just for his sister-in-law but also for other family members at the hospital impacted.
"I hope they get better and they recuperate so they can come back home," said Carl.
For more information about salmonella, click here.
