The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health Services (DPHS), in collaboration with the City of Manchester Department of Health, is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to Buba Noodle Bar, a Machester, NH, restaurant.
As of May 22, 2022, seven people with Salmonella Enteriditis infections have been identified who also reported eating at Buba Noodle Bar at 36 Lowell Street in Manchester, prior to their illness.
One patient was hospitalized and there have been no deaths. Several other people with Salmonella infection are currently under investigation.
Buba Noodle Bar voluntarily closed on May 20 while a public health investigation is conducted, and the restaurant is partnering with public health to help determine a source for the infections.
“Anybody who develops a gastrointestinal illness within 7 days after eating at the Buba Noodle Bar restaurant should contact their primary care provider for Salmonella testing,” said New Hampshire State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
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