The Bear River Health Department is investigating a Salmonella outbreak after confirming 21 cases across Cache and Box Elder counties. Health officials began tracking a dramatic increase in cases starting in the second week of August 2024 and are currently working to identify the source of the bacterial infection.
Public health officials are taking steps to limit further spread of the illness in northern Utah. While the number of confirmed cases has reached 21, officials indicate that the situation does not currently require drastic changes to the public’s daily lifestyle.
Angie White on the Outbreak Timeline
The spike in infections became apparent in mid-August. Angie White, a disease investigator for the Bear River Health District, told ABC4 that the department noted a dramatic increase in cases
beginning in the second week of August. White explained that when an alarming number of cases come from within the same area, it triggers a formal inquiry, as they have to start asking, do we have an outbreak?
Determining the exact origin of the bacteria is a slow process. White described the effort to identify the source as extremely complicated. The health department is currently evaluating whether these 21 cases represent an isolated local incident or are part of a more extensive, widespread issue.
Salmonella Symptoms and High-Risk Groups
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that primarily targets the gastrointestinal tract. According to the Bear River Health Department, symptoms typically manifest between six hours and six days after exposure.
- Fever and nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach or abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea, which may occasionally be bloody
While most people recover within several days without medical treatment, the health department warns that certain populations face a higher risk of hospitalization or severe illness. These include young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Prevention and Food Safety Protocols
The Bear River Health Department identifies three primary transmission routes: consuming contaminated food or water, contact with infected animals or their environments, and person-to-person spread via poor hand hygiene after using the restroom.
To reduce risk, health officials recommend strict hand-washing with soap and water, particularly after changing diapers, handling animals or their food, and using the restroom. The department further advises that anyone experiencing active vomiting or diarrhea should refrain from preparing food for others.
- Cooking foods to safe internal temperatures.
- Promptly refrigerating perishable items.
- Preventing cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.
- Exercising caution with poultry, livestock, reptiles, and amphibians, as these animals can carry Salmonella even if they appear healthy.
Comparison with the Milo’s Poultry Farms Recall
While the Bear River Health Department continues its local search for a source, a separate, larger-scale Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak was managed by federal authorities in 2024. The FDA and CDC investigated infections linked to eggs supplied by Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC of Bonduel, Wisconsin.
That federal investigation resulted in a voluntary recall of all egg types and sizes, including conventional cage-free, organic, and non-GMO chicken eggs, as well as duck eggs branded as Happy Quackers Farm and Tony’s Fresh Market. The recall also covered all cases and expiration dates of all eggs for retail foodservice distribution, including M&E branded eggs.
| Metric | Bear River Health Dept. Outbreak | Milo’s Poultry Farms Outbreak |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed Cases | 21 | 93 |
| Hospitalizations | Not specified | 34 |
| Geographic Reach | Cache and Box Elder Counties, UT | 12 States (including WI, IL, MI, and UT) |
| Status | Under Investigation | Declared Over (Oct 17, 2024) |
The FDA’s data shows that the Milo’s Poultry outbreak included one case in Utah, but the vast majority of its 93 illnesses occurred in Wisconsin. Recalled eggs were distributed to retailers and food service locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. This federal case was closed after the recalled eggs passed their shelf life and were removed from the market.
Residents in Cache and Box Elder counties experiencing severe or non-improving symptoms are urged to contact their healthcare provider immediately. For further information, the Bear River Health Department can be reached at 435-792-6525.
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