Cole County health officials said Friday there has been an upswing in salmonella cases in the past few days.
"I can't say how many we've seen - because some are lab confirmed and some are not - but I can say it would be more than what we would normally see at this time of the year," Cole County Health Department Director Kristi Campbell said.
Campbell said there was no particular source the department could trace as the cause because testing continues at the State Health Lab.
"With food illnesses, many times you never truly find the source. But the best way to try and find out is by interviewing the people that have gotten sick, and that's what is happening now," Campbell added. "We are asking all kinds of questions, including has anybody else in their family been sick. We'll make a spread sheet and look for common denominators."
Campbell said salmonella is common, and that's where the lab findings come into play.
"It should show what specific type these folks have," she said. "The lab results are important to finding what we're dealing with."
The most common symptoms of salmonella poisoning are diarrhea, cramping and a low-grade fever. If in addition to those symptoms you are feeling dehydrated, you should visit a doctor, Campbell said.
"At this time of the year, there are many events or businesses that have baby chick days, and the chicks can spread salmonella very quickly," she said. "So anytime you're handling the chicks, afterwards, wash your hands. We can't stress that enough."
Anytime they see salmonella issues, Campbell said they remind residents to keep hot food hot and cold food cold.
"Proper preparation of food is the best away to avoid salmonella," she said.