Health officials investigate salmonella cases

Scott Csernyik

8/16/2001 12:00:00 AM

The cause of several salmonella poisoning incidents at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort remain under investigation.

Since July 20, five people have been treated and released at Central Michigan Community Hospital for salmonella poisoning symptoms, said a hospital official on Aug. 9.

Central Michigan District Health Department medical director Dr. Robert Graham said "more than 10" cases have been identified. Graham said many suspected cases reported to the health department did not fit the profile for salmonella poisoning.

Salmonella is actually a group of bacteria that can cause diarrheal illness in people, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control. Salmonella passes from the feces of people or animals to other people or animals. Contaminated foods are often of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk or eggs, but all foods, including vegetables may become contaminated. Food may also become contaminated by the unwashed hands of an infected person handling such food.

Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps that develop 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, with most persons recovering without treatment.

An Aug. 10 statement released by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe acknowledged "nine isolated and confirmed cases of salmonella involving employees of the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, as well as two isolated and confirmed cases involving patrons."

"The source of the contamination is not yet known," stated Saginaw Chippewa Public Relations Director Frank Cloutier. "The Tribal Council, administration and management of the casino property are committed to the health, safety and well-being of its employees and patrons."

Local health department officials began looking into the suspected salmonella outbreak at the casino in early August, said Mary Kushion, director of the Central Michigan District Health Department in Mt. Pleasant.

"We are doing an investigation as much as we are allowed to," Kushion said.

The incidents remain under investigation by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan and the Central Michigan District Health Department.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.