DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Health announced late Tuesday, Jan. 6, that it is participating in a multi-state investigation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify the source for an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium.

Ohio ranks second in the nation for number of cases, with 50 identified among Ohio residents.

Cases, some of which date back to October 2008, match each other by their DNA fingerprint and appear to have a common origin, the state agency said. In all, there are 336 cases nationwide that match the DNA.

The cases occurred in 18 counties in Ohio — but mostly in Cuyahoga County where 14 cases occurred. Three cases were in Hamilton County, said Robert Jennings, spokesman for the health department. No cases were in Montgomery County.

Steps that can be taken to protect against the illness include taking care when handling raw meat, washing hands between food preparation and tending to infants or small children, cooking meat dishes thoroughly and not eating raw or under cooked meat.

Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days.

More information about salmonellosis can be found at the CDC Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/salmonellosis_gi.html#7