Four cases of salmonella poisoning have been confirmed in Arkansas amid reports of dozens of people falling ill from similar symptoms, the state Department of Health said.
Since Aug. 18, the Health Department has received and investigated 30 reports of suspected foodborne illness. Four patients tested positive for salmonella, which spreads through contaminated food or water.
The agency said in a statement that it believes the salmonella outbreak originated from a Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Stuttgart. Phone messages left with Chuck Wagon Restaurant's management have not been returned.
"We are collecting biological specimens from patients that are ill," health officials said. "In addition we are collecting information about where they have eaten and any other common exposures they might have had."
Patrons who ate at the restaurant between Aug. 14 and Aug. 16 experiencing symptoms that could be linked to the illness should call their local health care provider as well as the Health Department, the state agency said.
Those who have contracted the illness are encouraged to practice good hygiene and wash their hands thoroughly to prevent the disease from spreading, the Health Department said.
Salmonella poisoning typically lasts four to seven days and can include symptoms of diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
State Desk on 08/26/2017