NSW health and food authorities are continuing investigations into a salmonella outbreak at several aged care facilities across the Illawarra, with the number of confirmed cases rising to 20 on Monday.
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On Friday the region's public health unit advised that 16 confirmed cases of salmonella - and at least eight suspected cases - had been identified at six residential facilities.
Three elderly residents were hospitalised due to the outbreak of the food-borne disease which the public health unit believes to be linked to salad products.
More than one aged care provider has been affected, however IRT has confirmed that 17 of the cases have occurred across its care centres.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District public health director Curtis Gregory said the confirmed cases occurred between January 21 and 29, although some of the suspected cases were more recent.
Late on Monday afternoon, the public health unit reported there had been 20 confirmed cases of salmonella, and seven suspected cases.
A NSW Food Authority spokesman said it was continuing work with NSW Health, the health district and IRT to find the source of the outbreak.
"NSW Food Authority staff are investigating the food storage and preparation facilities of [IRT] facilities to ensure their facilities and food handling, processing and procedures are fit for purpose, and to ensure there is no ongoing food safety risk," the spokesman said. As a precaution, high risk foods had been removed from the menu.
lwachsmuth@fairfaxmedia.com.au
