Salmonella Cases in Two Counties Could be Linked to Tomatoes

Share

By Molly Kelleher

Summary

A nationwide salmonella outbreak could be hitting close to home. Umatilla County and Walla Walla County all confirm cases. Now they're sending out test to state labs to see if there's a link to the tomato infections in nine other states.

Story Published: Jun 4, 2008 at 5:22 PM PST

Salmonella Cases in Two Counties Could be Linked to Tomatoes
A national salmonella outbreak could be hitting close to home. Umatilla County and Walla Walla County all confirm cases.

There are three cases here in Walla Walla and four in Umatilla County. A health investigation is underway, officials are interviewing the people infected they're asking question after question to pinpoint the cause.

So far, there's no link in any of the cases in Umatilla or Walla Walla. Nobody is related to each other, they're not on the same water well and there's no link to a restaurant.

"We are very concerned because this could be linked to the nationwide outbreak with tomatoes," said Harvey Crowder, Walla Walla County Health Department.

Nine states are dealing with a salmonella outbreak linked to uncooked tomatoes. Washington and Oregon haven't landed on that list yet, not until the state tests can confirm it.

The symptoms are similar to the stomach flu: diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Symptoms can be much more severe in children and the elderly.

"There's no need to panic but you need to be aware. Three cases in one week is a problem. You have to wash your veggies and wash your hands." said Crowder.

We checked in with Benton-Franklin Health Department, they checked lab results for us. There are no cases in the Tri-Cities.