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Lab Samples From Bethel Grocery Store Negative For Salmonella

Centers for Disease Control
/
CDC

No source has been found for Bethel’s salmonella outbreak.

Lab samples taken by the Department of Environmental Conservation from a local grocery store came back negative for the bacteria.

The Alaska Section of Epidemiology has taken over the investigation. Karen Martinek with the section says that no new cases have been reported from the Bethel area since mid-July.

Martinek says that the origin for these outbreaks often remains unknown, and that the state is focusing on preventing the bacteria from spreading through public education about the pathogen.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. To prevent contracting or spreading the bacteria, health officials recommend washing your hands, storing and cooking foods at their proper temperatures, not preparing food for others when you’re sick, and cleaning knives and cutting boards between foods.

Bethel reported six cases of salmonella in July. Last year, only two cases were reported for the entire Southwest part of the state. 

Anna Rose MacArthur served as KYUK's News Director from 2015-2022.
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