Health officials in Great Falls, Montana are investigating a Salmonella outbreak that has primarily affected local elementary school students. The Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) has confirmed eight cases since October 30, 2024, with six cases identified among students at Sacajawea and Valley View elementary schools. The additional cases include one staff member from another school and one individual unconnected to the school system.
The outbreak has prompted a coordinated response between CCHD and Great Falls Public Schools, with health officials working alongside school nursing staff to alert families, contain the spread, and identify the contamination source, which remains unknown.
The investigation has expanded beyond local boundaries, with the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services examining possible connections to Salmonella cases in other Montana counties and neighboring states.
Salmonella, a bacterial infection affecting approximately 1.35 million Americans annually, typically spreads through contaminated food consumption. Transmission can occur through contact with infected food handlers or animals.
Health officials recommend prevention through proper hygiene practices, particularly thorough hand-washing before food preparation, after animal or human contact, and following bathroom use or diaper changes.
Those experiencing symptoms are advised to avoid food preparation and stay home from work or school. Typical symptoms, which usually appear between 6 hours to 6 days after exposure, include watery diarrhea (possibly containing blood or mucus), severe stomach cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, and fever.
While most cases resolve without treatment within 4 to 7 days, certain populations face higher risks of severe illness requiring medical intervention, including young children under 5, adults over 65, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Health officials urge immediate medical attention for severe symptoms, including:
- Fever exceeding 102°F accompanied by diarrhea
- Diarrhea persisting without improvement for more than 3 days
- Bloody stools
- Inability to retain liquids due to continuous vomiting
- Dehydration indicators such as minimal urination, dry mouth and throat, or dizziness upon standing
State and local health officials said they continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
Commenting on this article, one national Salmonella lawyer said, “Salmonella is one of the most reported causes of food poisoning in the United States. Anyone who suspects they may have been infected should seek medical advice.”
