The Broome County Health Department in New York has determined that the illnesses impacting more than 300 people in the Broome County Correctional Facility is Salmonella infection.
The Broome County Sheriff's Office and the health department released a joint statement on May 27 confirming that "multiple test results" revealed the infection spreading within the facility is Salmonella, a bacterial infection that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms. Salmonella infection is most commonly the result of contaminated food.
In a previous press release, which was sent out earlier in the day on May 27, the health department and sheriff's office said several inmates reported symptoms to medical staff at the facility on May 25. Within the next 24 hours, more than 140 people were seen by medical staff for similar symptoms.
The health department initially believed the illness was due to norovirus, a highly contagious stomach illness.
Test results returned on May 27 confirming that foodborne bacterial Salmonella was the cause of the illnesses within the facility. The health department’s treatment of those infected remains the same as the treatment for norovirus — focusing on replacing lost fluids to prevent dehydration.
High-risk patients, including immunocompromised or older individuals, will also be receiving antibiotics as needed under the direction of the health department and the facility medical provider, according to the news release.
The correctional facility has been working with both the health department, the New York State Department of Health and the food service provider Trinity Services Group to investigate and test all possible contamination sources, according to the press release.
A full correctional facility kitchen inspection was conducted by the health department on May 26 in response to the illnesses and complaints. The inspection reportedly found no major violations within the facilities, equipment or food preparation areas.
As standard policy, according to the news release, samples of all meals served at the correctional facility are wrapped, refrigerated and stored for five days in case of possible contamination. Meals from the days prior to the initial reports of illness are currently undergoing testing to help identify the source and the health department will also be conducting surveys of all inmates to help determine exposure and contact.
The facility is also undergoing a deep cleaning on any exposed surfaces or areas within the jail and food supplies on site used prior to the illnesses are being held for testing before disposal.
