LCHD responds to illness reports at Lincoln County Fair

MERRILL – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) looked into reports of stomach illness among people who attended the Lincoln County Fair earlier this month, just a day or two after the fair had begun, after community members raised concerns – including on social media – about food safety at the event.

According to Shelley Cohrs, Director/Health Officer at LCHD, the department was notified by community members reporting severe gastrointestinal illness among fairgoers. Health officials then contacted the local emergency room and learned a similar stomach flu illness had already been circulating in the community before the fair began.

“Since this illness appeared highly contagious, we provided the Fair Board resources and hygiene signage, sharing tips on cleaning, reminding everyone – workers and visitors alike – to stay home if they aren’t feeling well,” Cohrs said.

Online discussion in the days following the original post (which was removed by moderators) included a range of theories about the illnesses, from concerns about specific food vendors to speculation that heat, fair rides, or overindulging in food and drink may have played a role. Several commenters said they had eaten food from multiple vendors without getting sick, and one resident reported that their whole family had eaten the same food, but only one child became ill.

Cohrs said the health department will continue working with the Fair Board going forward.

“We will continue working with the fair to provide education and signage on basic steps to take, such as frequent hand washing, keeping sick workers and volunteers home, and ensuring food is kept out of the barns so we can all stay healthy and have a great time at a wonderful community event,” she said.