Image by Bill Kasman from Pixabay
A recent uptick of Salmonella in Fort Worth pediatric patients has a local hospital system concerned.
A press release warning parents that “various Cook Children’s locations are experiencing a spike in cases of Salmonella” was published on November 4, 2024. So far, the Texas Department of State Health Services has not reported a Salmonella outbreak these cases could be associated with. So, in the meantime, hospital spokespeople wanted to spread the word.
Following notification by the Willow Park primary care clinic pediatricians Devona Martin, M.D. and Jenica Rose-Stine, D.O. that a recent surge of Salmonella cases have been presented, a press release was issued.
“Over the past few months, we have noticed a big increase in the number of cases of Salmonella,” Dr. Martin said. “This usually presents as diarrhea that has blood or mucus and fever. Each case is reported to the Health Department to try to track down a cause, but a common source has not been identified.”
The Emergency Department (ED) at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth has also seen an increase in Salmonella patients.
“In the ED, we usually see less than 20 patients per month with a diarrheal illness caused by Salmonella,” said Stephanie Felton, D.O., associate medical director at the Cook Children’s Emergency Department. “In the month of July, we had 43 positive cases. We had 59 in August, 71 in September, and 74 in October.”
Something is going on.
It is unclear at this time what is making these children sick. Potentially foodborne illnesses, like Salmonella infections, are reported to the State Health Department and added to a foodborne illness database to help investigators associate outbreak patients with each other and track down a source.
Salmonella bacteria are microscopic organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye. This germ is capable of making people, especially children, very sick.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 1.35 million people are sick with Salmonella infections each year. Most of which are caused by consuming contaminated food.
Not everyone who is exposed to Salmonella bacteria will get sick. For those who become sick, symptoms range from mild to severe. In some cases, hospitalization is required to treat the illness. In fact, Salmonella is responsible for around 26,500 hospitalizations each year. Sadly, this results in about 420 deaths.
While there are over 2,500 different strains of Salmonella bacteria, the most commonly experienced version of the germ is called “non-typhoidal” Salmonella bacteria. The “typhoidal” version of the germ causes much more serious illness.
Does Typhoid Fever ring a bell?
Salmonella bacteria is found in the feces (poop) of animals and humans. It can also be found in the environment. Likely from animal or human poop. But it’s there, nonetheless.
Even trace amounts on a child’s hand could wind up in their mouths. Even this unknowing transfer is enough to make someone sick.
Certain foods are also commonly associated with Salmonella contamination. This is because during the production process, they are more likely to come in contact with animal feces are just by the way they are processed they are more likely to become contaminated.
Foods commonly associated with Salmonella infection include:
Contaminated foods often do not look, smell, or even taste any different. So there is no way to know to avoid them.
Certain groups of people are more likely to become sick when exposed to Salmonella bacteria and experience more severe illness if infected. Children are among the more susceptible.
Young children top the list of most susceptible. The CDC says that “children who are younger than 5 years (and especially children who are younger than 1 year)” are at higher risk.
Older adults often experience a weakened immune system. This makes them more susceptible to Salmonella infection if exposed. Be careful with grandparent exposure if your child is experiencing symptoms associated with Salmonella infection, as they may expose an unknowing elderly family member.
Those with underlying medical problems and are over 50 years of age are also more likely to become sick if exposed. Heart disease and conditions that may affect the immune system are included in this list.
People with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to Salmonella infection if exposed to the germ. Conditions like diabetes, AIDS, undergoing cancer treatment, or even taking medications that can affect the immune system.
Parents in the Fort Worth area should monitor their child for Salmonella symptoms. If they become infected, here is what you can expect.
Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that last about a week (four to seven days).
For most, medical intervention is not necessary. However, some people may experience complications warranting a trip to the doctor’s office. Or even the hospital.
Call a doctor if you have:
Dehydration is a serious issue with illnesses involving diarrhea and vomiting. Keep your child hydrated.
Most of the time, Salmonella illness involves intestinal symptoms. However, complications arise when the bacteria compromise the intestinal lining and enter other parts of the body through the bloodstream. From there, the bacteria can wreak havoc on the urinary tract, blood, bones, joints, and even the nervous system.
One of the more common complications of Salmonella infection is a condition called reactive arthritis. Salmonella can affect the collagen in the joints as well as little-known collagen in other parts of the body.
Places like the eyes and urethra.
Reactive arthritis symptoms include joint pain, painful urination, and eye pain. These symptoms can last for months, or even years in some people.
A common complication of Salmonella infection is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can take quite some time for bowel habits to return to normal after Salmonella infections in some people.
If your child begins to experience symptoms consistent with Salmonella infection, you may begin to worry. There are a few things you can do to help your child through this unfortunate experience.
Dehydration is a serious concern with diarrheal illnesses. It can lead to additional complications. Encourage them to drink water and low sugar electrolyte to replace lost fluids. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, as they could exacerbate dehydration.
Help your child recover by ensuring they get plenty of rest. Quieter activities and naps can help their body’s healing process.
This recent uptick of Salmonella in Fort Worth children is not yet considered an outbreak. However, if genetic data performed on patient samples reveals the same strain of the germ has infected more than two children, it will likely become one.
In this case, making a list of the things your child has eaten (specific foods, specific stores/restaurants, dine-in or at home, etc.) and places they have visited (zoo, activity center, park, etc.) can help investigators narrow down the source.
Writing this information down as early as possible will keep the details fresher in your mind. Enabling you to paint a more accurate picture of potential exposure opportunities in the week prior to your child becoming sick.
If your child is sick from a preventable infection, you may need legal advice. An experienced Salmonella lawyer can help answer the questions you have. Even some that you have not yet thought of.
If your child or your family has been impacted by this potential Salmonella outbreak, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC is here to help. The firm has won millions of dollars for families with situations just like yours.
Caring for a sick child is stressful. Missed work or alternative childcare, medical bills, and other burdens associated with the illness add up.
Call (833) 330-3663 or fill out the online submission form today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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