Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls,Salmonella on June 2, 2026
Health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak at Broome County Correctional Facility in the Town of Dickenson, New York. What started as a suspected “stomach bug” attributed to the highly contagious norovirus has recently been confirmed as Salmonella infections instead.
According to a press release, over 300 people have been connected to this outbreak so far.
Affected inmates and other impacted individuals are currently being treated as investigators work to discover the source.
This Broome County Correctional Facility Salmonella outbreak is not the first correctional facility in the news for Salmonella concerns. In early May over 20 people were sickened in Indiana’s St. Joseph County Jail. No source was identified in that outbreak. Broome County may have better luck. This facility has a contamination monitoring policy that may help investigators narrow down potential food vehicles.
Here’s what we know so far!
As early as Monday, May 25, 2026, Broome County Correctional Facility inmates began reporting gastrointestinal symptoms to medical staff.
Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Within two days, over 300 people reported experiencing similar symptoms.
Based on symptoms and illness onset, norovirus was initially suspected as the cause of these gastrointestinal illnesses. However, patient samples revealed a different pathogen.
Salmonella.
Once Salmonella was identified, investigators began working on a new possibility. “That the illness stems from a foodborne bacterial Salmonella infection.” With that knowledge, County health officials can move to the next step.
“Now that our PCR tests have confirmed Salmonella, we’re confident with our course of treatment for all individuals experiencing these symptoms,” said Olivia Catalano Director of Public Health at the Broome County Health Department. “Now we’re making every effort to find the cause of the bacteria and manage the situation in a coordinated effort with our agency partners.”
Once the true pathogen was identified, more specific treatment protocols could be employed for those who need it.
Fortunately, for most patients, the same treatment protocols involving replacing lost fluids to prevent dehydration apply to Salmonella infections as well as norovirus. “Correctional Facility medical and housing staff, working with staff and officials from the Broome County Department of Health and Broome County Office of Emergency Services, are actively treating and assisting those experiencing symptoms, preventing dehydration via steady fluid, water, and hydration drink intake.”
However, those who are high-risk, such as older individuals and those who are immunocompromised are receiving additional antibiotic treatment as needed.
The Broome County Correctional Facility kitchen underwent a full inspection by the Broome County Department of Health as part of the investigation. The inspection took place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The County Health Department, the New York State Department of Health, and the food service provider Trinity Services Group have been looped into the investigation to “test all possible contamination sources.”
The inspection found no major violations. The facility, equipment, and food preparation areas all checked out.
Fortunately, the Facility has a policy that could help identify a potential food source.
According to the press release, “a sample of all meals served at the Correctional Facility are wrapped, refrigerated, and stored for 5 days in case of possible contamination.”
These meal samples are currently being tested.
Additionally, food supplies on site prior to illness are also being held for testing before being disposed. All food currently being served at the Facility arrived and has been prepared after the initial illness was reported and identified.
In addition to investigation and new supplies in the kitchen, Broome County Correctional Facility also says the facility is undergoing “deep and steady cleaning.”
The Broome County Health Department says they will also be conducting surveys of all inmates to help determine the potential exposure source.
“Our focus remains on the health and safety of all those living and working within the Broome County Correctional Facility,” said Sheriff Fred Akshar. “We are taking every precaution to ensure the quality and safety of the food served at the facility, to treat those experiencing symptoms, and to identify when and where this contamination entered our facility.”
So, what exactly is Salmonella? Salmonella is a type of bacteria. It’s a microscopic germ that can cause anywhere from mild to severe illness in humans.
Most people experience symptoms in as little as six hours of exposure. However, it can actually take up to six days for some people to feel sick. Even longer for others.
How do you know you have it?
Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
Severity and length of illness often varies from person to person. However, most people experience mild illness that passes quickly. Others, on the other hand, may experience severe illness lasting weeks or even months after initial symptoms.
Most people feel better within a week (four to seven days).
For outbreaks like this, an ingredient is a possible contamination source. Many products are being recalled right now due to an ingredient issue.
California Dairies, Inc milk powder recall due to potential Salmonella contamination has impacted so many products. From hot chocolate mixes to packaged beverages and chips. Just yesterday another frozen pizza brand issued a recall due to discovering an ingredient they use contains the recalled milk powder.
But Salmonella is common in many other foods. Eggs, chicken, leafy greens, a fruits have all been indicated in previous Salmonella outbreaks.
Only time (and additional testing) will tell the actual source of this Salmonella outbreak at Broome County Correctional Facility.
If you or a loved one has been seriously impacted by this Salmonella outbreak at Broome County Correctional Facility, it is a good idea to get advice from a Salmonella lawyer.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!
Reach out by calling (833) 330-3663 or send us an email for a free, no obligation consultation. A member of our compassionate team will go over the details of your situation with you to help determine if you have a legal case.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)