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BESSMER CITY, NC – Dozens of people in Gaston County are being tested for salmonella. There are seven confirmed cases at a church in Bessemer City, and another 50 suspected cases.
The infections are being linked to a church conference at Living Word Tabernacle off US 29 in Bessemer City, where members cooked and brought food from home.
“I think you should be careful where you eat and know who prepared the food,” said Charles Groves, a Bessemer City resident.
The Gaston County Health Department says the number of people infected is still growing, as more families call and report salmonella symptoms.
“Maybe it was just a fluke. Somebody didn’t cook something correctly and we just have to be super careful about that,” said Vanessa Aldridge, a Bessemer City resident.
According to the health department, church members cooked the food, so the county didn’t need to issue food or sanitary permits.
The people infected are between the ages of 3 and 70 years old. Two of the people infected were hospitalized and one person has since been released. The health department says no one is seriously ill, but many are still showing symptoms.
Salmonella symptoms include severe diarrhea, nausea and stomach pains. The symptoms usually show up within 6 to 72 hours after infection and can can last up to seven days. Salmonella is transmitted by bacteria in raw or undercooked meat, or in milk or eggs.
The health department says Living Word Tabernacle will not be cited.
“Everyone around here talks about the church and the pastor and how good he is, so this is just something that happens,” said Aldridge.
The Gaston County Health Department will hold a press conference Wednesday morning. Health officials are expected to give an update on those infected and report any new cases.
If you did visit the church and you have symptoms, call the Gaston County Health Department at (704) 853-5214.
