The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services has confirmed 15 cases of salmonella poisoning in Hopkins, Webster and Muhlenberg counties.
The outbreak, which was declared in mid-September, has claimed one life and left five people hospitalized. Cabinet officials say the same genetic fingerprint links at least eight regional salmonella cases.
The Hopkins County Health Department is conducting an investigation to determine the source. Health department officials are conducting patient strain and food sample comparisons, but there is no word on how close investigators are.
Salmonella poisoning is a foodborne illness that can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting and, in extreme cases, death.
