More than 200 suffer in salmonella outbreak
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: AP
The number of suspected salmonella cases linked to an outbreak in Alamosa has risen to 216. Of those, 68 have been confirmed by lab results.
A medical team from Jefferson County is in Alamosa, helping local officials deal with the outbreak. State tests linked the outbreak to the city's municipal water supply. The system will be flushed out, beginning this week. It could take three weeks before water service returns to normal in the San Luis Valley town.
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach pain. Victims typically recover on their own, but the elderly, infants and people with impaired immune systems may require treatment.
Health officials say salmonella can cause death in vulnerable victims if it's not treated.
News First 5/30 will have a crew in Alamosa on today as workers begin flushing the municipal water system. Tune in this evening to see those reports via News First SatLink.
