Cumberland County health officials reported yesterday that 44 people have symptoms consistent with salmonella infection, an increase from 16 first reported Tuesday.
Thirty-six of the patients are from North Carolina and eight are out of state, officials said. Five have been hospitalized.
All the patients reported eating at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux in Fayetteville, and health officials are asking anyone who ate at the hotel since May 1 to be aware of symptoms.
The hotel has two restaurants: All American Sports Bar and Grill and The Café Bordeaux. There is also a banquet kitchen.
Salmonella bacteria are transmitted through contaminated food or water or contact with an infected animal or person. Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
Most infected people recover within four to seven days, but some require hospitalization and antibiotics. Frequent hand washing, especially after using the bathroom or handling food, is the best preventive measure, experts say.
Anyone who developed symptoms after eating at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux last week is asked to call the health department at 910-433-3638.
For more information, call the “salmonella hotline” at 910-433-3824.
