Some Cases of illness from the Salmonella Newport bacteria have been detected

December 15, 2017

Tribal Health Department

Gila River Indian Community

Four Gila River Indian Community members have tested positive for the Salmonella Newport bacteria. People become ill 12 hours to 6 days after exposure. Most individuals infected with this bacteria exhibit THESE SYMPTOMS:

-Diarrhea

-Fever

-Abdominal Cramps

The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without going to the hospital. In some instances of Salmonella infection diarrhea may contain blood or be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines through the blood stream to other body sites. In these cases, Salmonella can cause death unlesse person is treated immediately with antibiotics. Children under the age of 5, the elderly, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Quick Tips for Preventing Salmonella

*Wash hands, kitchen work surfaces, and utensils with soap and water immediately after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry.

*Properly prepare meals for infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised persons by practicing safe food handling.

*Cook poultry, ground beef, and eggs thoroughly. Do not eat or drink foods containing raw eggs or milk.

*If you are served undercooked meat, poultry, or eggs in a restaurant, don’t hesitate to send it back to the kitchen for further cooking.

*Avoid touching reptiles (i.e. turtles, lizards, and snakes), live birds, livestock, or any animal feces barehanded.

If you are currently experiencing these symptoms, please go to your nearest health care facility as soon as possible. If you previously experienced the symptoms listed above between the dates of 11/1/2017 and 11/21/2017, please contact one of the employees listed below at the Tribal Health Department:

-Elizabeth Antone, Communicable Disease Nurse (520) 562-5100

-Jimmy Orozco, Communicable Disease Investigator (520) 562-5100

-Hollie Rieger, Environmental Health Specialist II (520) 562-5186