Ector County Health Department warns of rising campylobacter and salmonella cases
Editor's note: The video above is not directly related to this article, but shares key information on how to wash your fruits and vegetables in order to prevent the spread of salmonella and other foodborne diseases.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- As summer temperatures rise in West Texas, so do concerns over foodborne illnesses. The Ector County Health Department has issued a public advisory following a noticeable increase in reported cases of campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis in the community.
Campylobacter and Salmonella are two of the most common bacterial culprits behind foodborne illness in the United States. Both can cause gastrointestinal infections, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
While many healthy individuals recover without treatment, the infections can be dangerous, sometimes even life-threatening, for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Campylobacteriosis is typically contracted through undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, or contaminated water. Salmonellosis is most often linked to raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, and produce.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the U.S. each year.
While this summer's local advisory doesn't point to a specific outbreak, Ector County has faced foodborne illness events before. In 2016, a salmonella outbreak linked to a local restaurant resulted in multiple confirmed cases.
Nationally, recent recalls, including tomatoes and eggs, have highlighted ongoing risks tied to foodborne bacteria, especially during warmer months when pathogens thrive.
The Ector County Health Department recommends the following steps to prevent foodborne illness:
Proper food handling: Cook all meat, especially poultry, to the appropriate internal temperature. For example, poultry should reach at least 165°F. Use a food thermometer to confirm.
Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce. Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils with hot, soapy water after contact with raw foods.
Choose pasteurized products: Opt for pasteurized milk, juices, and egg products whenever possible.
Drink safe water: Avoid untreated water, especially when traveling. Boil or filter when necessary.
Practice good hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after preparing food, after bathroom use, and after handling animals.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of foodborne illness should seek medical attention, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent. Healthcare providers are required to report confirmed cases to the Texas Department of State Health Services to aid in monitoring and outbreak response.
Health officials stress the importance of prevention, especially as warm weather increases the risk of bacterial growth in improperly stored or prepared food.
For more information or updates, visit the Ector County Health Department's website or contact their office directly.
Stay safe and enjoy a healthy summer, Ector County.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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