MONTGOMERY: Township sees increase in food-borne illnesses

By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
In the wake of numerous reports of food-borne illnesses this summer, Montgomery Township Health Department officials are warning people to take extra precautions to avoid becoming ill.
There have been eight laboratory-confirmed cases of food-related illness this summer, which is about three times the number that occurred in the same time period last summer, according to township Health Officer Stephanie Carey.
"The lab-confirmed illnesses are the tip of the iceberg," Carey said. "That’s only the people who were sick enough to got to the doctor and get tested. Only a small fraction of food-borne illnesses are ever reported."
But the increase in food-related illnesses was serious enough that the Health Department launched an investigation to determine "if we had an outbreak on our hands," Carey said.
It turns out there was not a common source, but food-borne illnesses peak in the summer for many reasons, she said.
Foods may be left out at summer barbecues where warm temperatures encourage bacteria growth, she said, adding that party food dishes should be kept on ice. Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly or tossed out.
Grill temperatures may not be hot enough to kill bacteria in poultry or meat, so it is important to cook food thoroughly until the juices are clear. It would be even better to use a food thermometer to check that the food is done cooking, Carey said.
Food-borne illnesses also may be travel-related, Carey said. When traveling, use bottled water or water from approved sources. Only eat food that has been thoroughly cooked.
Some of the symptoms of food-related illness include abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, severe – sometimes bloody – diarrhea and fever, according to the Health Department.
Other signs of food-borne illness include weight loss, weakness or fatigue, a loss of appetite and headache.