An outbreak of salmonella at the Washington Care Center in Seattle has affected 29 individuals, resulting in 6 hospitalizations, according to Public Health Seattle-King County. The outbreak, which has now been declared over, is believed to have originated from the long-term care facility.
The outbreak was identified to have occurred between July 1 and July 5, 2023, with the suspected meals linked to the illnesses served on June 29 and June 30. Public Health authorities have determined that contaminated food served at the Washington Care Center was likely the cause of the outbreak. No employees at the facility were found to be ill during the investigation.
Upon notification of the outbreak, Public Health provided education to the care center’s staff to prevent further spread. This included emphasizing the importance of handwashing, effective cleaning, sanitation, and recommending sick residents and staff to isolate until symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
In response to the situation, a joint team consisting of Public Health, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) visited the care center on July 11. Public Health conducted interviews with both affected and unaffected individuals to determine any common exposures.
During the visit, the DOH inspected the kitchen and identified risk factors such as potential cross-contamination, inadequate handwashing, and improper glove use that could have contributed to the spread of Salmonella. The DSHS, which regulates long-term care facilities in Washington State, conducted its own investigation and provided education to the care center’s staff.
Laboratory testing was performed on eight affected individuals, with confirmatory results indicating infections with Salmonella. Seven of the cases showed the same strain of Salmonella through genetic fingerprinting, conducted at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory.
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection commonly transmitted through contaminated food, water, contact with animals, and their environments. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, chills, and abdominal cramping, with the illness typically lasting several days.
Public Health officials advise individuals with suspected Salmonella infections to refrain from working in food handling, patient care, or childcare while experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
To prevent the spread of Salmonella and other foodborne illnesses, the public is encouraged to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, touching animals, and before eating or preparing food. Thorough cooking of meats, especially poultry, and immediate washing of cutting boards and counters used for meat or poultry preparation are also crucial to avoid cross-contamination.