DICKINSON, NY — Testing from recent stomach bug-like illnesses at the Broome County Correctional Facility has confirmed the cause was a salmonella infection, according to health experts at the Broome County Health Department.
On Monday, incarcerated individuals began reporting symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches to medical staff at the correctional facility.
Over the next two days, more than 300 individuals reported similar symptoms.
While the initial symptoms and scope led health officials to suspect norovirus, testing results returned on Wednesday confirmed the illness stems from a foodborne bacterial salmonella infection.
Health Department-directed treatment for the illness remains largely the same as when the illness was suspected to be norovirus, focusing on replacing lost fluids to prevent dehydration.
Correctional facility medical and housing staff, working with staff and officials from the Broome County Department of Health and Broome County Office of Emergency Services, are actively treating and assisting those experiencing symptoms.
High-risk patients, including immunocompromised or older individuals, will also be receiving antibiotics as needed under the direction of the Department of Health and the facility medical provider.
Salmonella are bacteria that cause an estimated 1.35 million infections in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A standard salmonella infection typically lasts four to seven days.
The foodborne illness usually stems from contaminated foods, often including beef, poultry, seafood, milk or eggs, but unwashed fruits and vegetables can also become contaminated.
The Broome County Correctional Facility has been working with the Broome County Health Department, the New York State Department of Health and the food service provider Trinity Services Group to investigate and test all possible contamination sources.
A full correctional facility kitchen inspection was conducted by the Broome County Department of Health on Tuesday in response to the illnesses and complaints.
The inspection found no major violations within the facilities, equipment or food preparation areas.
As standard policy, a sample of all meals served at the correctional facility is wrapped, refrigerated and stored for five days in case of possible contamination.
Meals from the days prior to the initial reports of illness are currently undergoing testing to help identify the source.
Out of an abundance of caution, food supplies on site used prior to the illness are being held for testing before disposal.
All food currently being served at the correctional facility arrived and has been prepared after the initial illness was reported and identified.
The facility is also undergoing a deep and steady cleaning on any exposed surfaces or areas within the jail.
The Broome County Health Department will also be conducting surveys of all incarcerated individuals to help determine exposure and contact with salmonella.
“Now that our PCR tests have confirmed salmonella, we’re confident with our course of treatment for all individuals experiencing these symptoms,” said Olivia Catalano, director of public health at the Broome County Health Department.
“Our focus remains on the health and safety of all those living and working within the Broome County Correctional Facility,” said Sheriff Fred Akshar.
