Authorities in Pinal County, Arizona, have announced that 38 people are infected with Salmonella after events at Windmill Winery on March 18 and 19, 2015. The outbreak was first uncovered after one of the March 19 event attendees called the Pinal County Public Health Services District to report several instances of disease, including four hospitalizations. One of the hospitalizations was a young child. The Health Services District then temporarily suspended the food establishment permit of Windmill Winery. The exact source of the infection has not been discovered, but it has been narrowed down to just a few ingredients.
The outbreak is isolated, with infections only occurring on the two days mentioned. Investigations revealed that Windmill Winery was exceeding its allowable level of food preparation, and was also using a non-permitted caterer. Windmill Winery was not aware at the time that the caterer was unlicensed. The suspension was lifted on April 8, 2015.
Salmonella poisoning produces symptoms approximately 12 and 72 hours after infection. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Symptoms last about 4 to 7 days, and generally require no treatment.
