A cluster of Salmonella casesin Brown County prompts state health officials to remind South Dakotans of food safety precautions over the Thanksgiving holiday.

In Brown County four children with confirmed Salmonella have been reported in the past week and at least 20 other children have been ill, but not confirmed. The source of the BrownCounty cases has not been identified. Through November 23, a total of 154 cases of salmonellosis were reported in South Dakota for the year. Of these 154 cases, 23 (15%) have been from BrownCounty. Statewide 31% of the Salmonella cases have been children 14 years and younger.

Salmonella infection is spread by eating or drinking food or water contaminated by contact with infected people or animals.