Salmonella outbreak plagues University

recent outbreak of the bacterial infection.

Despite not knowing the source, the Princeton Regional Health Department (PRHD) has been working with New Jersey state officials to conduct preliminary food history surveys with both infected and healthy students. The data collected so far points to the Frist Gallery as being a possible source of infection, PRHD health officer David Henry said.

The results of the surveys, however, are not yet conclusive because a large percentage of the student population eats at the Gallery on a regular basis, Henry noted. He said the department is keeping an open mind, adding that the investigation maintains “a very broad focus.”

In the meantime, the University has taken several precautionary measures to minimize students’ risk of exposure, University spokeswoman Cass Cliatt ’96 said, explaining that the University has decided to switch produce suppliers and has temporarily closed the Ole and Saladology stations in the Frist Gallery,

“The University is taking steps ... to prevent further infection,” Cliatt said, explaining that Dining Services has “stop[ped] serving some of the types of food that are commonly connected to salmonella infections.”

Salmonella can be carried in uncooked food, including produce, Henry explained. Once infected, a person usually develops fever, cramps and diarrhea after a 12- to 72-hour incubation period. In otherwise healthy people, the infection often resolves itself within five to seven days without further treatment.

At this time, no new cases have been reported since the precautionary measures were put in place.

“As of this point, the last date of onset of symptoms from the confirmed cases was April 30,” Cliatt said. “This was before the University took precautionary steps to remove some food items from service and to close some Food stations at Frist.”

Lab results on stool samples collected from 59 other “suspect” cases are pending, Cliatt added. These patients presented with gastrointestinal illness characteristic of salmonella infection. On average, there are about 10 cases of gastroenteritis not caused by salmonella reported weekly at the University.

Salmonella bacteria have in recent years grown resistant to certain antibiotics that have been used to promote growth in livestock, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In a small number of cases, people infected with salmonella can develop Reiter’s syndrome, which is characterized by eye irritation, joint pain and painful urination.

Anyone exhibiting symptoms of infection is urged to visit McCosh Health Center and contact the New Jersey Department of Health. Students who are ill should also frequently wash their hands to prevent spreading the infection to others.

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

PRHD continues to seek survey volunteers who ate at Frist between April 20 and May 2 and have not become sick. Those interested in interviewing can contact the New Jersey Department of Health.

Dining Services Director Stu Orefice directed all inquiries to Cliatt for this story.