The Wadsworth Center Bacteriology Laboratory, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Communicable Disease Control (BCDC), the Bureau of Community Environmental Health and Food Protection, and the Broome County Department of Public Health, is assisting in the investigation of a large foodborne outbreak of Salmonella enterica associated with the Broome County Correctional Facility.
On May 26, 2026, regional epidemiology staff were notified of approximately 144 incarcerated individuals experiencing gastrointestinal illness at the Broome County Public Safety Facility. Reported symptoms, with onset beginning on May 25, included nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. By May 27, the number of symptomatic individuals had increased to 309, with no illnesses reported among facility staff. On May 27, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office submitted 16 meal tray samples to the Wadsworth Center for laboratory analysis. Meals served on May 24 and May 25 were prioritized for testing. Molecular testing (PCR) and bacterial culture identified Salmonella species in a chicken salad sample. The isolate was confirmed through MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and conventional biochemical testing.
On June 1, the Wadsworth Center received stool specimens collected from 10 affected incarcerated individuals. Initial testing confirmed the presence of Salmonella species in these clinical samples. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was subsequently performed on nine clinical isolates and the isolate recovered from the chicken salad. All sequenced isolates were identified as Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, with the food and clinical isolates found to be genetically indistinguishable, providing strong evidence linking the chicken salad to the outbreak. The Wadsworth Center continues to receive additional stool specimens and bacterial isolates associated with the outbreak for confirmatory testing and genomic characterization. In addition, the Bacteriology Laboratory is providing testing for incarcerated individuals assigned to food service duties to support decisions regarding their safe return to kitchen operations while helping to prevent further transmission.
This investigation highlights the critical role of the Wadsworth Center’s advanced laboratory capabilities, including molecular diagnostics and whole genome sequencing, in rapidly identifying outbreak sources and supporting timely public health interventions to protect the health of New Yorkers.