Outbreak of Potent Salmonella Strain Has Health Officials Worried

South Dakota and federal health officials are trying to determine the source of a “potent” strain of salmonella, the Rapid City, S.D., Journal reports.

Though many of the cases in this latest outbreak are centered on the Black Hills, S.D., area, salmonella cases are being reported in four states. And the rate at which those contracting the bacteria-borne illness are being hospitalized, suggest this particular outbreak is dangerous.

Twenty-two cases are being reported in four states. Eleven of them are in Black Hills and of those, two are children. Six of those eleven S.D. victims have been hospitalized.

The most serious of the cases are being identified as the Newport strain of salmonella. That commonality has drawn the attention of the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga.

These reports are from December and no new cases have been reported since then. Officials are stumped by the source of the outbreak as they cannot identify a food, restaurant or person.

The Rapid City Journal reports that last year 171 cases of salmonella were confirmed in the state, up from an average of 133. Salmonella poisoning symptoms present themselves quickly and often can be confused as the flu in stronger victims, but the bacteria, especially this particular strain, can be deadly in weaker patients.