CHIANG MAI, 11 July 2012 – The number of students in Chiang Mai sickened by an outbreak of salmonella poisoning rose to over 500.
Chiang Mai Public Health Office chief, Dr Wattana Kanjanakamon, said the salmonella outbreak has been tracked to three-day-old boiled eggs the Chiang Mai Welfare School students consumed during lunch. He revealed that approximately 6 percent of eggs sold on stalls are tainted with salmonella.
Currently, out of the 500 reported cases of salmonella, 367 students have been released from the hospitals, with 1 student still in critical condition.
Although symptoms only last for no more than 72 hours, patients are expected to carry Salmonella bacteria in their bodies for up to three months after the initial phase.
The public health office is instructing other health units in Chiang Mai’s schools to keep closer watch on the situation.
The salmonella-tainted boiled eggs which have also been distributed to 10 other facilities in the area have been recalled and disposed of.
Salmonella can cause fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. The symptoms usually last four to seven days.
