Salmonella Warning Issued in Great Falls as Cases Rise in Schools

Great Falls, MT — Several Salmonella cases have been identified in Great Falls, beginning 10/30/24. As of 11/12/24, six students at Sacajawea and Valley View elementary schools, one staff member at another school, and one person with no school connections have been identified.

The Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) has been in contact with all confirmed individuals and is working closely with Great Falls Public Schools nursing staff and leadership to notify families, limit spread, and identify potential sources of contamination. At present, the origin is unconfirmed.

The Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS) is also investigating connections to other Salmonella cases in other Montana counties and states.

Salmonella is typically spread by consuming contaminated food; it may be contracted from infected people that are handling or contact food, or from animals.

CCHD advises consistent hand-washing before handling food, after physical contact with animals or people, and after using the toilet, changing diapers, or assisting another person with hygiene. If you are experiencing symptoms, do not prepare food or drinks for others, and stay from school or work.

Symptoms of Salmonella usually start 6 hours to 6 days after infection and usually last 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days. Some people—especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems—may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.

Symptoms include:

Watery diarrhea that might have blood or mucus

Stomach cramps that can be severe

Headache

Nausea

Vomiting

Loss of appetite

Fever

Signs of dehydration (reduced urination, dry mouth and throat, dizziness when standing up)

Please follow up with a medical provider if you are experiencing severe symptoms:

Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F

Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving

Bloody stools

Prolonged vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down

Signs of dehydration, such as:

Making very little urine

Dry mouth and throat

Dizziness when standing up

Medical providers should promptly report any identified cases to CCHD:

During business hours: (406) 791-9279

After hours: (406) 454-6955

Confidential fax: (406) 761-9898

For more information about Salmonella, see CCHD’s Salmonella Questions and Answers page.