Salmonella illness connected to concert

Seven cases at Sasquatch Music Festival

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District is investigating cases of Salmonella occurring in individuals attending the Sasquatch Music Festival Memorial Day weekend at the Gorge Amphitheatre.

There are seven confirmed cases; four from British Columbia and three from Washington. The health district is working with the Washington State Department of Health and British Columbia Centre for Disease Control to determine the cause of the illness.

The health district is also working with Aramark, the contractor responsible for providing food service at the Gorge, on food safety procedures. The food inspectors are monitoring food handling practices at the Gorge for the next concert in July.

Salmonella is a bacteria sometimes found in chicken or eggs. A person can become sick by eating undercooked chicken or eggs, or foods cross-contaminated with raw chicken or eggs, according to a health district spokesperson.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically start within 12 to 72 hours of consuming the contaminated food and can include fever, cramps or diarrhea.

To reduce the risk of further illnesses, the health district recommends concert attendees do the following:

• Wash hands thoroughly and frequently with hot water and soap at least 30 seconds after using the restroom and before consuming any food.

• Do not eat chicken or eggs served at room temperature and ensure all chicken consumed is cooked thoroughly.

• Seek medical assistance and notify the Grant County Health District if a resident becomes ill with Salmonella symptoms within 12 or 72 hours.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov or call the health district at 509-754-6060.