Health officials say about 150 people living in eight states have been sickened by Salmonella after attending a chili cook-off in Virginia.
Dr. David Matson, director of Virginia’s Eastern Shore Health District, says half of the victims have sought medical treatment, and some have been hospitalized.
More than 2,000 people attended the 18th Annual Chincoteague Chili Chowder Cook-Off and Car Show on Sept. 30.
Matson said most people sickened by the bacteria have already become ill with diarrhea, vomiting and fever, but some could become sick after two or three weeks.
Symptoms of Salmonella can include chills, dehydration, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headaches, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
People who’ve gotten sick live in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and North Carolina.
The Accomack County Health Department and the Foodborne Disease Team from the Virginia Department of Health continue to investigate a cluster of gastro-intestinal illnesses that may be related to the Chincoteague Chili Chowder Cook Off held this past Saturday, September 30, 2017. We appreciate the response we have received from event attendees and healthcare providers who have reached out to us so far. The Accomack County Health Department has created an online survey and we ask all attendees, whether ill or well, to please complete the online survey. That link can be found here:
https://redcap.vdh.virginia.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=RPPDH7DWDF
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