OTTAWA – In addition to the influenza that often runs rampant in Franklin County at this time of the year, there has been a spike in food-borne illnesses in the county in recent days. County health director Midge Ransom said her department has tried to pinpoint the causes of the outbreak, but hasn’t found a definite source. “Nothing to any one product or one area of the county,” Ransom said. “… We are seeing several cases of Campylobacter as well as other diseases in the county.” Although Campylobacter can be unpleasant, it rarely has long-term consequences common to other food-borne illnesses that can be deadly or more serious. People should be careful in food preparation and wash hands frequently, Ransom said. People who believe they have a food-borne illness should contact the county health department immediately, she said.
Monday, March 30, 4 p.m.
