GEORGE -- Food inspectors will be at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George today to monitor food handling at the Lilith Fair music festival following confirmed reports that seven people became sick from salmonella at the Sasquatch Music Festival in May.
The Grant County Health District has been investigating cases of Salmonella enteritidis in cooperation with the state Department of Health and British Columbia Centre for Disease Control since the Sasquatch festival ended May 31.
Three people from Washington and four from British Columbia are confirmed to have become sick from the bacteria, which sometimes is found in chicken or eggs.
No illnesses were reported at a subsequent Tom Petty concert at the Gorge on June 11 and 12.
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Salmonella can make people sick when they eat undercooked chicken or eggs, or foods that have come in contact with raw chicken or eggs.
The bacteria also can spread if someone who becomes sick from salmonella fails to properly wash their hands and then prepares food.
Grant County food inspectors are working with Aramark, the contractor providing food at the Gorge, on food safety procedures to prevent additional illnesses.
The health district recommends that concertgoers wash their hands frequently with soap and hot water, avoid eating chicken and eggs served at room temperature, and make sure all chicken consumed is thoroughly cooked.
Anyone who becomes sick with fever, cramps or diarrhea within 12 to 72 hours after attending the concert should see a doctor and notify the Grant County Health District at 509-754-6060.
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