The Alabama Department of Public Health is continuing to investigate what sickened at least two-thirds of the 100 people who ate a meal after a funeral in York, Alabama on July 6, but confirmed Friday that five of them have been diagnosed with Salmonella, which is commonly found in raw and undercooked meats and eggs.
Investigators said the illness was caused by cross contamination during meal preparation, and hospitalizations of the infected continue. Some of the poisoned guests are in serious condition.
The ongoing investigation has resulted in 67 hospitalizations in at least 10 states and all states have been notified of the outbreak. Public Health’s investigation began after a report from a local hospital that several people had been seeking emergency room care with symptoms of fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.