Laboratory testing has confirmed a Salmonella outbreak at the Broome County Correctional Facility in New York, with more than 300 people affected after symptoms began May 25. Over 140 inmates were evaluated within 24 hours of the first reports. A May 26 kitchen inspection found no major violations, and a May 27 joint statement confirmed Salmonella after multiple tests. Authorities and the facility's food service contractor, Trinity Services Group, are investigating; high-risk patients will receive antibiotics as needed.
Salmonella Confirmed After More Than 300 Fall Ill At Broome County Correctional Facility
Photo Credit: Broome County
More than 300 people housed at the Broome County Correctional Facility in New York have fallen ill in an outbreak that health officials initially believed was norovirus. Laboratory testing has since confirmed the cause as Salmonella, a common bacterial foodborne infection.
Timeline And Response
Inmates began reporting symptoms — including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea — to medical staff on May 25. Within the next 24 hours more than 140 individuals were evaluated for similar complaints. By May 27, a joint statement from the Broome County Health Department and the Broome County Sheriff’s Office announced that "multiple test results" had identified Salmonella as the cause.
Investigation Efforts
The facility is working with county and state health departments and Trinity Services Group, the correctional facility's food service contractor, to investigate possible sources of contamination. Officials say meal samples are kept wrapped and refrigerated and are retained for five days to allow laboratory review if contamination is suspected.
Inspections And Findings
Following illness complaints, the health department performed a full kitchen inspection on May 26 and reported no major violations concerning the facility, equipment or food-preparation areas. The public health investigation remains active as authorities search for the contamination source and review all available samples and records.
Medical Care And Risk
Salmonella can spread quickly in congregate settings where many people eat the same meals in close quarters. The risk of severe illness is higher for older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Under guidance from the health department and the facility's medical provider, high-risk patients at the jail will receive antibiotics as clinically indicated.
Officials continue to monitor and treat affected individuals while public health teams conduct interviews, review food-handling procedures, and analyze test results to identify how the outbreak began.
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