No source has been identified in the Great Falls Salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least six elementary school students. School administrators are responding as information has become available while state health officials monitor laboratory testing. Testing that may reveal these illnesses are part of a bigger problem.
Here’s what we know about the Great Falls Salmonella outbreak so far.
Cascade City-County Health Department released a statement on November 13, 2024 notifying residents of updated information related to an ongoing Great Falls Salmonella outbreak that has effected local children and others in their jurisdiction.
According to the update, ten cases have been confirmed. Nine confirmed cases have been within four of Great Falls Public Schools elementary schools.
A recent report indicated that at least six cases were from Sacajawea and Valley View elementary schools, one case involved a staff member at a different school, and at least one person with no school connections have been identified.
Additional laboratory testing is in progress for three other patients. One of which is associated with another secondary school.
Officials suspect, based on preliminary data, that this Great Falls Salmonella outbreak may be related to a larger, multi-state outbreak.
According to a county health department statement, “The Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS) is also investigating connections to other Salmonella cases in other Montana counties and states.”
Genetic testing on patient samples conducted by the Montana State Laboratory should be available soon.
The results of these laboratory tests will be analyzed against a national foodborne illness reporting database. This comparison may link these Salmonella illnesses to a larger outbreak.
At this time, a specific food source has not been identified in the Great Falls Salmonella outbreak.
The genetic testing performed on patient sample could potentially link these illnesses with others, allowing for more data and help answer this question sooner.
For now, the Great Falls Public School system is monitoring this news closely to remove potentially harmful food from the menu.
While parents are being notified directly, a news statement was published on the Great Falls Public Schools website. There, they explain what schools are doing with the limited information they currently have.
“GFPS [Great Falls Public Schools] is working with the CCHD [Cascade City-County Health Department] to determine the source and prevent illness. While we are still waiting for results to identify the source of the Salmonella contamination, out of an abundance of caution, GFPS will temporarily remove fresh fruits and vegetables. Dried and canned fruits will replace fresh options in all schools.”
The organization noted that fresh fruits and vegetables have been the source of previous Salmonella outbreaks. As the current source is unknown, this is a potential step to help prevent the spread of the Great Falls Salmonella outbreak.
Salmonella are tiny bacteria that can cause intestinal illness when it infects the digestive system. These germs typically live in animal and human intestines and are shed through the stool (poop) of those infected.
From there it can continue to contaminate the environment to further spread illnesses like the Great Falls Salmonella outbreak.
Salmonella infections are typically spread by consuming contaminated food. However, contact with those infected with bacteria, eating food handled by infected people, and contact with animals or their environments are common ways this bacterial illness spreads.
Certain foods have been known to spread Salmonella illness more frequently than others.
The specific food responsible for the illnesses in the Great Falls Salmonella outbreak will likely be revealed soon. But these commonly infected foods are the top of the suspect list.
During the butchering process, bacteria from feces can end up contaminating raw meat and poultry. Even small amounts of bacteria can have a significant impact.
Seafood is often contaminated when harvested from contaminated water.
Eggs can become contaminated through the chicken’s digestive tract. The shell provides some protection after it leaves the chicken. However, Salmonella contamination could take place before the shell is even formed.
Products using raw eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise and hollandaise sauce are particularly risky.
Raw dairy products are made with milk that has not undergone a heat step designed to kill harmful pathogens potentially lurking within.
Fruits and vegetables may become contaminated at any point in the growing and processing aspects of production. Irrigation or washing with water contaminated with Salmonella bacteria transfer those germs to fresh fruits and vegetables, often consumed without cooking.
At home, the contamination risk continues. Fruits and vegetables can become contaminated with they come in contact with raw meat, poultry, or seafood (or their juices).
Anyone can become sick if exposed to Salmonella bacteria. However, children younger than five years, adults over 65 years, and those with a weakened immune system are often more susceptible and experience more severe illness.
Common Salmonella infection symptoms include:
These symptoms often start anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure and generally resolve in about a week (four to seven days).
Many cases of Salmonella infection are mild and do not require medical intervention. However, this is not always the case. Certain symptoms are signs of serious complications.
Cascade City-County Health Department reminds residents that they should see a medical provider if they experience the following symptoms:
In a Great Falls Public Schools statement, the organization reminds parents and members of the community of some common practices that can help reduce the spread of infection.
“Please remember to wash hands before and after meals in addition to after using the restroom.”
Cascade City-County Health Department follows up with, “consistent hand-washing before handling food, after physical contact with animals or people, and after using the toilet, changing diapers, or assisting another person with hygiene.”
The City-County Health Department also explains that “if you are experiencing symptoms, do not prepare food or drinks for others, and stay from school or work” to reduce the spread.
If you, your child, or a family member has been impacted by this Great Falls Salmonella outbreak, an experienced Salmonella lawyer can help.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has represented families with situations just like yours and recovered millions of dollars in product contamination and liabilities suits.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for your free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation. A compassionate team member can help you understand your rights and provide advice for the next steps forward.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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