Health Dept investigates 4 cases of salmonella

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 19 states are involved in the investigation. The type of Salmonella typhimurium involved in the nationwide outbreak is one of the most common strains. This particular strain is seen with frequency in Arkansas. Because of this, the Division is trying to determine if Arkansas` four cases are random cases or cases that have some common source or link to the national outbreak. In 2005, 735 cases of salmonella infection were reported to the Division of Health. So far in 2006, Arkansas is reporting 803 cases. Of those, 236 were the type of salmonella involved in the nationwide outbreak; only four cases match the exact DNA fingerprint of those cases in the nationwide outbreak. Salmonella is a bacterial infection that usually affects the intestines and occasionally the bloodstream. The bacteria are spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by contact with infected people or animals. People exposed to the salmonella bacteria may have diarrhea, cramping, fever, nausea, vomiting and headache. Some people may have very mild or no symptoms, but some infections can be quite serious, especially in the very young or elderly. The symptoms generally appear 12 to 36 hours after exposure. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms such as these should see a physician. (Copyright 2006 Newsroom Solutions, LLC)