2nd Ohio Death Linked To Salmonella

COLUMBUS, Ohio—A second Ohio death has been linked to the multistate salmonella outbreak, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) reported Wednesday.

Click here for the latest recall and salmonella information.

The patient was an elderly female from Medina County.

The earlier patient was an elderly female from Summit County.

ODH reported 92 current cases between Oct. 10, 2008, and Jan. 24, 2009. They range in age from 2 months to 98 years.

“It’s a sad duty to report this development,” ODH Director Alvin D. Jackson said. “ODH sends its heartfelt condolences to all affected by this situation.”

“Our message to Ohioans remains the same—be vigilant,” Jackson said. “If you are in doubt about a food’s safety, throw it out.”

Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called salmonella.

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.

The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment.

What can you do to prevent salmonellosis?
- Cook poultry, ground beef and eggs thoroughly. Do not eat or drink foods containing raw eggs or raw (unpasteurized) 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.
- Wash hands, kitchen work surfaces and utensils with soap and water immediately after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry.
- Be particularly careful with foods prepared for infants, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system.
- Wash hands with soap after handling reptiles, birds, including baby chicks, and after contact with pet feces.
- Avoid direct or even indirect contact between reptiles (turtles, iguanas, other lizards, snakes) and infants or those with a compromised immune system.
- Don’t work with raw poultry or meat and an infant (e.g., feeding, changing a diaper) at the same time.
- Mother’s milk is the safest food for young infants. Breastfeeding prevents salmonellosis and many other health problems.

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