Salmonella: Gold Coast Health investigating dramatic spike in cases of the bacterial disease on the Gold Coast

Health officials are investigating a spike in salmonella on the Gold Coast in the past month.

HEALTH officials are investigating a spike in salmonella on the Gold Coast, with 61 cases confirmed this month.

Last year there were 38 confirmed cases of the notifiable intestinal infection for all of February.

Gold Coast Public Health Unit physician Dr Vicki Slinko said there were 118 confirmed cases of Salmonellosis on the Gold Coast, with 61 of those in February, much more than the same time last year.

“There has also been an increase throughout Queensland for the same period. Early investigations are under way.”

A 30-year-old breastfeeding mother said she was hospitalised for four nights and had to leave her four-month-old baby in her mother’s care while she recovered.

Her symptoms were not picked up by her GP, she said, and urged others to be a ‘bit pushier’ with health care providers.

Dr Slinko said symptoms of Salmonella included a fever, headache, diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.

They can begin between six and 72 hours of consumption, or even longer, and typically last for four to seven days, but could also continue for longer.

If you’re concerned you’ve contracted Salmonella, visit your doctor or phone the 13 HEALTH information line.