New information is now available in the Salmonella outbreak that has primarily affected local elementary school children in Great Falls, Montana.
There are now 10 confirmed cases of Salmonella infection with nine identified among students at four different Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS) elementary schools with another three test results are pending. One of the three is connected to another secondary school. Of the four elementary schools affected, three are currently known: Sacajawea, Meadowlark, and Valley View.
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.
The cause of the outbreak has not been identified and is currently under investigation.
In interviews with local media, GFPS officials said that no patterns have emerged among specific grade levels and that those affected so far are in different grades.
In the meantime, GFPS said that, as a precaution, it has removed fresh fruits and vegetables from school menus because they have been linked to previous pathogenic outbreaks.
In a statement on the GFPS website posted yesterday, the school system said:
“Multiple schools in the GFPS district have received notice of identified cases of Salmonella. Parents in those schools are being notified.
GFPS is working with the CCHD to determine the source and prevent illness. While we are still waiting for results to identify the source of the salmonella contamination, out of an abundance of caution, GFPS will temporarily remove fresh fruits and vegetables. Dried and canned fruits will replace fresh options in all schools. In the past, outbreaks in other locations have been linked to fresh fruits and vegetables. The current source of the outbreak is unknown.
As we receive more information from the state and CCHD, we will update you. Please remember to wash hands before and after meals in addition to after using the restroom. In the event that you or a loved one develops symptoms, please seek medical advice. For more information, monitor the websites at GFPS and the CCHD.”
The Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) announced yesterday that the Montana State Lab is conducting genomic sequencing on test samples and has informed CCHD that results are expected by Friday, November 15. These findings will help determine if the Great Falls cases are connected to a larger, multistate outbreak, though they won’t pinpoint a specific food source.
In August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it was investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infection linked to small pet turtles. As of August 21, the investigation had identifed 51 confirmed cases of Salmonella across 21 states. Of those infected, 17 cases were in children under five and 10 cases were in children under one years old.
An outbreak of Salmonella this Fall in Florence, Italy sickened 224 children and led to 18 hospitalizations. Of those affected, 61 were in nurseries, 51 in kindergartens, 106 in primary schools, and four in secondary schools.
An investigation into the outbreak found that farro grain with cherry tomatoes and pesto from the school catering company contained traces of the pathogen.
Health officials recommend Salmonella infection 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
Commenting on this story, one national Salmonella lawyer said, “Salmonella infections can have serious, long-lasting health effects. Therefore, when a salmonella outbreak occurs, it’s crucial to identify the source as quickly as possible to prevent further harm.”
