ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — More than 50 people showed up at the emergency room at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock Sunday with symptoms of foodborne diarrheal illness. The hospital only has 13 beds. It turned out it was a Salmonella outbreak.
Health officials call this a surge event. Having that many people come to their emergency room at around the same time only happens once every two to three months, according to Dr. Ryan McAtee. It’s something they prepare for.
“Pushed the ER for all of its resources,” McAtee said. “Completely consumes all of the resources that we have in the emergency department.”
This salmonella outbreak in Accomack County happened at a private event, according to health officials. Public posts on Facebook from people who went to the event said this was a large family reunion. It was not catered.
McAtee said summer is the perfect season for foodborne illness. The heat makes it hard to properly store food at outdoor events. Hand hygiene and food storage temperature are key.
If food gets between 40 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, it is in what McAtee calls the danger zone.
“Above that kills bacteria, below that keeps bacteria from growing,” he said. “But when you’re in that temperature range, man, bacteria grows like crazy.”
The longer food stays out between 40 and 140 degrees, the more bacteria may grow. With more bacteria comes worse symptoms.
McAtee said while it may feel horrible, you do not necessarily have to go seek medical attention if you get a foodborne illness. Most people can get well again by drinking a lot of water and drinks with electrolytes. Elderly, young children or anyone who is immunocompromised may need medical treatment. Blood in your stool is also a sign that it is time to see a doctor.
The Virginia Department of Health told 10 On Your Side 10 people were tested in total, with six testing positive for salmonella, four testing positive for campylobacter and two tests are pending.
