Estill Health Dept: Risk of salmonella to public is diminishing

ESTILL COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ)-  The Estill County Health Department says the risk of salmonella to the public is diminishing.

“We do not believe that there is any on-going threat to the public at this time,” said Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, senior deputy commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health.

The health department and the state are still investigating. They say they have not been able to identify a specific food item as a source for the outbreak.

Officials say 72 cases of illness have been reported and 12 people have been hospitalized. They say most of the hospitalizations were because of dehydration. According to the health department, all of the patients are expected to make a full recovery.

Officials say salmonella infections usually include symptoms of diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12–72 hours after infection. They say the illness typically lasts between 4-7 days.

According to the health department, a local restaurant where many of the patients had dined has voluntarily closed.

“We commend the restaurant owner for being proactive in collaborating with investigators to control the outbreak and take measures to thoroughly clean the premises,” said Kenny Cole, environmental director with Estill County health department.

Officials say anyone who believes they’ve had symptoms of salmonellosis should contact their healthcare provider.