Columbia Health officials have released the latest numbers on the Salmonella outbreak in Caldwell Parish. According to the Louisiana Dept. of Health, 125 people are now confirmed to have a gastrointestinal illness. This is up from just under 50 on Thursday afternoon. Of those cases, health officials say 37 people spent some time in the hospital.
In addition, it is reported that a second bacteria contributed to the mass food poisoning in Caldwell Parish according to Dr. Parham Jaberi, assistant state health officer. In addition to the Salmonella already found in stool samples submitted to the state, Clostridium perfringens, a bacterium commonly found on raw meat and poultry, has been identified.
Health officials say they are still working to determine whether the death of a man this week in Caldwell Parish is linked to the outbreak.
The ages of the people affected range from 15 to 72, according to Friday’s update from health officials.
The CDC suggests contacting your doctor or healthcare provider if you have:
- Diarrhea and a fever over 101.5°F.
- Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving.
- Bloody stools.
- Prolonged vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down.
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Making very little urine.
- Dry mouth and throat.
- Dizziness when standing up.
Epidemiologists with the Louisiana Department of Health are contacting people known to have purchased food from the fundraiser, and are asking anyone else who might have eaten the jambalaya to call (800) 256-2748.