Distributed October 28, 2026
Increase in Salmonella Typhimurium in West Virginia
KEY POINTS
■ 41 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium reported in West Virginia since early September; five patients hospitalized. No common source has been identified.
SUMMARY
The West Virginia Department of Health (WVDH) is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium. Since early September, 41 cases have been reported. Patients range in age from 3 to 54 years, and five have been hospitalized. Exposures are under investigation, but no common source has been identified. To date, no cases
outside of West Virginia have been linked to this outbreak, indicating a localized event.
BACKGROUND
Salmonella Typhimurium is one of the most reported Salmonella serotypes in the United States. It is acquired primarily through consuming contaminated food or water, through contact with infected animals and their environments. Laboratory testing, including culture, is essential for the diagnosis of salmonellosis. Most patients recover without antibiotics, but infections can progress to bacteremia or septicemia in young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
1. Consider salmonellosis in the differential diagnosis for patients with acute diarrhea.
2. Order stool testing for suspected cases and collect specimens before starting antibiotics when possible.
3. If a CIDT is positive for Salmonella, order a stool culture or confirm that your laboratory will perform reflex culture.
4. When antibiotic treatment is necessary, use antimicrobial susceptibility results to guide therapy.
5. Report salmonellosis to the local health department (LHD) serving the patient’s county of residence within 72 hours.
Hancock County Health Department
P.O. Box 578
850 N. Chester Street
New Cumberland, WV 26047
(Get Directions)
Ami Arneault
Administrator
304 564-3343 ext 123
304-670-4278
Becky Weekley
Secretary II
304 564-3343 ext 121
Carolyne Baker
RS, REHS (Environmental/Inspections)
304 564-3343 ext 130
Michelle Berneburg
Registered Nurse
304 564-3343 ext 129
304-670-5068