The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating a foodborne outbreak that has affected at least 36 people who ate a meal around noon on July 6 served to persons attending a funeral at Eastern Star Baptist Church in York. More than 100 people are reported to have attended this funeral.

Initial reports indicate that at least 30 have been hospitalized with some in serious condition. The ongoing investigation has involved hospitals in at least 9 states. These states currently include Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Oklahoma. Preliminary tests at the Alabama Bureau of Clinical Laboratories are positive for salmonella, and additional tests are pending.

ADPH’s investigation began July 8 after a report from a local hospital that 25 people had been seeking emergency room care late on July 6 and 7 with symptoms of fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

“If you attended this event and are ill, please contact your physician,” advised Dr. Mary McIntyre, Assistant State Health Officer for Disease Control and Prevention.

For information on Salmonella, please access a fact sheet at http://www.adph.org/epi/assets/Salmonella_Flyer.pdf