SOUTH BEND, IND. (WOWO) Health officials in northern Indiana are investigating a salmonella outbreak at a county jail after more than 20 inmates became ill, prompting a joint review by local and state health departments.
According to WNDU reporting, the incident involves the St. Joseph County Jail in St. Joseph County, where officials say 23 inmates have been diagnosed with salmonella infection.
SYMPTOMS REPORTED AMONG INMATES
The St. Joseph County Police Department says inmates began showing symptoms on April 29, including:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Dehydration
Officials have not confirmed a definitive source of the outbreak, and the investigation remains ongoing.
FOOD SERVICE UNDER SCRUTINY
Authorities say the jail kitchen had passed a health inspection just five days before the outbreak was reported.
During that inspection, officials documented no critical violations, though two minor issues were identified and corrected immediately. Those included:
- Standing water near a dish machine
- Mold found on wire racks in a walk-in cooler
Despite the clean inspection report, investigators have not ruled out food service as a possible source.
ONGOING INVESTIGATION
The sheriff’s department says jail staff are working closely with:
- The facility’s food service provider
- Medical staff
- County health officials
- State health officials
The goal is to determine whether the illness originated in the jail kitchen or through another source of exposure within the facility.
PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE
Salmonella is a bacterial infection commonly linked to contaminated food or water and can spread quickly in confined environments such as correctional facilities.
Health officials are continuing to monitor the situation while testing and interviews proceed.
BOTTOM LINE
With more than 20 confirmed cases and an active investigation underway, officials say the focus now is identifying the source of the outbreak and preventing further illness inside the jail system.
