PA Dept of Health Issues Advisory in SEPA Healthcare Facilities after 29 Cases of Salmonella

The Pennsylvania Dept of Health issued an advisory regarding a Salmonella outbreak in 4 healthcare facilities in southeastern PA.  "To date, we have identified 29 case-patients who spent time during their incubation periods in one of four healthcare facilities experiencing outbreaks, which include two hospitals and two long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Known onset dates range from November 19-November 30, 2019."

https://www.radnor.com/CivicAlerts.aspx
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2019: Health Advisory Regarding Salmonella
Posted on: December 5, 2019

• The Pennsylvania Department of Health is investigating four Salmonella outbreaks at healthcare facilities in southeastern Pennsylvania.
• Consider Salmonella for patients experiencing diarrheal symptoms, especially if febrile.
• Obtain a stool sample and test for bacterial pathogens.
• Report any gastrointestinal outbreaks to local public health authorities or to DOH at 877- PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is investigating four Salmonella outbreaks at healthcare facilities in southeastern Pennsylvania. To date, we have identified 29 case-patients who spent time during their incubation periods in one of four healthcare facilities experiencing outbreaks, which include two hospitals and two long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Known onset dates range from November 19-November 30, 2019. Case identification is ongoing, which is essential to identify exposure risks, ensure appropriate clinical management, and implement prevention strategies. 

Symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Diarrhea is sometimes bloody. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 72 hours after exposure, but they can begin up to a week or more after exposure. Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5 to 7 days, but may require hospitalization, especially for patients who are immunocompromised. Invasive infections (for example, blood stream infections, meningitis) may occur. In rare cases, Salmonella infections can lead to death.

RADNOR TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: Public Health policy remains an important priority of the Board of Commissioners and the community. To this end the Board of Health was established at the very beginning of the 1st Class Township status. The board now consists of 9 members of the community either following careers or having a strong interest in matters of public health. The board meets monthly, except for July and August, and the Township Health Officer reports to them on his activities and acts as a liaison between the board and the Township Administration. For more information, please contact Radnor Health Officer Marie Carbonara at 610.688.5200 x 167. Visit Radnor Township at: http://www.radnor.com Like us on Facebook: http://Facebook.com/RadnorTownship/ Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/radnortownship Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/radnortownship

For more information, Press Only:

Molly Gallagher
Press Information Officer
610.688.5600 x 197
mgallagher@radnor.org