The Nebraska Department of Corrections says testing has revealed that six men incarcerated at the Lincoln Correctional Center became infected with salmonella late last month.
All of them are recovering from their symptoms. Dr. Harbans Deol, medical director at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) said it is likely that all of the individuals consumed something that caused them to become sick. Two individuals who were ill went to an outside hospital for treatment.
“Salmonella is one of those medical conditions that affects people in a multitude of ways,” Dr. Deol says. “Some individuals will have no symptoms at all or will only have a mild reaction. However, the bacterial infection can be more severe in those who already have compromised immune systems.”
Director Scott Frakes says they may never be able to pinpoint the exact source of the salmonella. “Whatever food was consumed is long gone.”
Director Frakes went on to say that the illness only impacted those living at LCC and the majority of patients were from one particular housing unit.