Cole County Health Department reports a growing number of salmonella cases

COLE COUNTY, Mo. – A number of confirmed and suspected cases of salmonella have been seen in Cole County this week.

Cole County Health Department Director Kristi Campbell told ABC17 News the department has not pinpointed a source of the salmonella contamination.

Other sources tell ABC17 News that the number of people affected is approaching 2 dozen.

The Centers for Disease Control says that most people infected have symptoms of diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within 12 to 72 hours after infection.

The illness lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment but in some the diarrhea may be severe enough hospitalization is needed due in large part to dehydration concerns.

ABC17 News will continue following this story and have updates.