According to the Alabama Department of Public Health has identified a common thread in the Russellville foodborne Salmonella outbreak.

Three people who ate at the El Patron restaurant in Russellville tested positive for Salmonella. Other potential cases are being investigated.  ADPH is still investigating gastrointestinal illness in El Patron patrons.

UPDATE:  The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating 12 patients in Russellville. Health officer Dr. Karen Landers confirms three of the 12 have Salmonella, a type of food poisoning caused by Salmonella.  Two of those people had to be hospitalized, but are expected to be okay. Dr. Landers believes they were infected about a week ago.

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.

In some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

More than one million people per year in the United States develop illnesses associated with Salmonella.  Anyone can get salmonellosis, but children are the most likely to be infected. The rate of diagnosed infections in children less than five years old is higher than the rate in all other persons. Young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are the most likely to have severe infections. It is estimated that approximately 400 persons die each year with acute salmonellosis.