PITTSBURGH (AP) — Nearly three dozen cases of salmonellosis throughout western Pennsylvania have been traced to a convenience store chain, state health officials said.
The cases have been traced to Sheetz stores, said Richard McGarvey, spokesman for the state Department of Health.
All 34 cases so far are linked to a type of bacteria most commonly found on fresh produce, but state health officials haven’t pinpointed the source. Those who have gotten ill had purchased food at different Sheetz stores, which pointed to an outside supplier, McGarvey said.
“We didn’t find any problems with cooking or hygiene in the stores,” McGarvey said.
Steve Sheetz, chairman of Altoona-based Sheetz said in a statement that while the chain had not confirmed the source, “we continue to take steps to ensure the safety of all products sold in our stores.”
“We are dedicating all resources necessary to resolve the situation quickly, completely and comprehensively,” Sheetz said. McGarvey credited Sheetz with help such as providing menus, enabling authorities to ask better questions.
The cases were reported by doctors or hospitals mainly in western Pennsylvania, including some in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Westmoreland counties, McGarvey said. But one case has been found in Dauphin County and McGarvey expected the number of cases to increase.
Salmonellosis, an infection caused by salmonella bacteria that can contaminate food or water, generally causes diarrhea, fever and cramps for up to three days. It is not often fatal, but it can be if it spreads to someone’s bloodstream or intestines, as is possible in those with impaired immune systems, children or the elderly.
Laboratory tests confirmed that the 34 cases were caused by a type of salmonella bacteria known as javiana.
Because the onset is rapid, the cases likely involve people who have eaten contaminated foods or otherwise come in contact with the bacteria in the last week, McGarvey said.
The bacteria are spread through the feces of infected animals and humans, when microscopic particles are ingested. Food-borne salmonella can be killed by fully cooking meats and vegetables; hand-washing is recommended after handling reptiles.
Each year, about 2,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported statewide. Nationally, there are 40,000 cases reported, including about 600 deaths. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the actual total number of cases may be 30 times as high, however, because milder cases may not be diagnosed.
Because people usually fall ill quickly and don’t stay sick long, salmonellosis outbreaks tend to run their course quickly, unlike a hepatitis A outbreak last fall, McGarvey said.
The hepatitis A outbreak, linked to tainted green onions served at a Beaver County Mexican restaurant, sickened at least 660 people over a period of about six weeks. Four people also died, including one man who suffered from complications of the liver disease for about six months.
