One major problem in getting quick action to combat and contain food-borne illness outbreaks is the variance in actions and protocol from state-to-state and region-to-region. Individuals who may have been affected should inform themselves as to the proper governmental division and the associated steps which should be taken to report a potential outbreak.
Another related issue is the fact that few people go to the doctor for what may be confused as flu-like symptoms and even fewer doctors run salmonella tests for the symptoms typical to salmonella poisoning. Increased testing could prevent additional cases by determining the source of the salmonella earlier while also establishing how widespread a problem officials are addressing.
A key step to ensure your own safety is to inquire about salmonella testing if you believe you have been infected and learn the protocols employed in your area relating to food-borne illness outbreaks.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
