One remains hospitalized in 'isolated' salmonella outbreak at Shinnecock Nation that sickened 62

One person remains hospitalized after the number of people likely sickened by a salmonella outbreak centered in the Shinnecock Indian Nation community grew to 62 people, officials said Monday.

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital had previously said 58 people were admitted since July 1 with symptoms consistent with salmonella, according to spokesperson Michelle Pipia-Stiles. She said several additional people sought treatment over the weekend.

The foodborne illness outbreak was "isolated" and limited to the Shinnecock territory, Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said Monday through a spokesperson.

The people who were sickened had attended a funeral and meal for a Shinnecock member, said Michael Martino, a spokesman for Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine.

A statement Monday from the Shinnecock Nation Council of Trustees said it first became aware of reports of illness on July 2 and immediately contacted healthcare professionals.

"The Shinnecock Nation Council of Trustees is deeply concerned for the community members who became ill during the recent Salmonella outbreak and extends its wishes for a full and speedy recovery to everyone affected," the council said in a statement sent out Monday.

The Council said the illnesses were "associated with a private event held within the community."

It’s unclear what food or foods at that meal may have had the salmonella bacteria but outbreaks have been associated with meat and poultry products, raw or undercooked eggs and dough as well as fruits, leafy greens and fresh vegetables, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In addition, leaving food out for an extended time at room temperature can cause the bacteria to grow. The U.S. Department of Agriculture cautions that food should be refrigerated after two hours. That recommendation is reduced to one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees.

Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, the agency said. The illness can last between four and seven days.

Several thousand cases take place in New York every year — mostly in the summer months, according to the state Health Department.

The council said it is working closely with public health partners and will "implement any recommendations that help strengthen our community's public health preparedness."

"While this incident has been difficult for those directly affected, it also demonstrated the strength of collaboration among Tribal leadership, healthcare providers, emergency management agencies, and our community," the statement said.

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.