MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. — Fourteen cases of salmonella have been confirmed in Muskegon County, according to a public health announcement Tuesday.
There are a total of 15 confirmed cases, the final one being in Ottawa County. Officials are currently interviewing those who are ill to determine the source.
Salmonella is typically a food-borne illness acquired from contaminated raw poultry, eggs and unpasteurized milk and cheese products. Thorough cooking kills it. Food may also become contaminated by the hands of an infected food handler who did not wash hands with soap after using the bathroom.
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. However, symptoms may be severe enough in some cases to require hospitalization.
Muskegon Public Health officials urge anyone with symptoms of salmonella to contact their healthcare provider for testing.
