Salmonella Outbreak in Suffolk County Sickens Dozens; 58 Treated at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital

Health officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak centered on the Shinnecock Nation community after dozens became ill. Authorities are urging residents to practice proper food safety and hygiene as the investigation continues.

Suffolk County health officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak on Long Island’s South Fork after dozens of people became ill and at least 58 patients were treated at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

Hospital officials said most patients were evaluated, treated and released, while the hospital promptly notified the New York State Department of Health, as required, to support the public health investigation.

The outbreak appears to be concentrated within the Shinnecock Nation community. Tribal Chairwoman Lisa Goree told local media that approximately 60 tribal members have been affected, with several requiring hospitalization.

“We had about 60 tribe members that we have confirmed came down with salmonella poisoning and several had to be hospitalized,” Goree said. “Most were seen and released, but a lot of people are still feeling the symptoms, and we are told it can take six to 10 days for the symptoms to end.”

Investigation Focuses on Community Gatherings

Shinnecock Nation leaders said the first illnesses were identified around July 2.

According to tribal leaders, many of those who became sick attended a funeral meal on June 30. There have also been reports linking illnesses to people who consumed leftover food from the Palm Tree Music Festival, held on Shinnecock territory in late June.

Palm Tree Festival, June 2026 at Shinnecock

Palm Tree Festival, June 2026 at Shinnecock

However, Suffolk County health officials have not confirmed the source of the outbreak, and the investigation remains ongoing.

A spokesperson for the Suffolk County Department of Health Services said the agency is collecting information related to the outbreak but declined further comment.

Organizers of the Palm Tree Music Festival have not publicly commented.

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacterial infection most commonly spread through contaminated or undercooked food, including poultry, eggs, seafood and other improperly handled foods. Health experts say the bacteria also can spread from person to person through poor hand hygiene.

Dr. Kostas Sideridis, chief of gastroenterology at Plainview Hospital, noted that the bacteria can be transmitted when infected individuals fail to wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom and contaminate shared surfaces.

Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
• Headache

Symptoms typically develop within several hours to several days after exposure and may last up to a week. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for severe illness.

Health Officials Urge Precautions

Public health officials recommend frequent handwashing, proper food handling and thoroughly cooking foods to reduce the risk of infection.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services and the New York State Department of Health continue to investigate the outbreak, including identifying its source and determining whether additional cases are connected.

Angela LaGreca

Editor, Co-Founder/Publisher

Angela LaGreca, Editor-in-chief and co-Founder/Publisher of Spark Hamptons, is a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, producer, writer and comedian/host. Her TV credits include NBC’s “Today,” ABC’s “The View,” and, most recently, the primetime cable news program “Cuomo” on NewsNation. On the East End, she was the Creative Director at LTV, VP Features/Events/Photo Editor at Dan’s Papers, and has performed at Guild Hall, Bay Street Theater and the WHBPAC. Her publishing career began at Modern Photography, where she was managing editor. LaGreca lives in Manhattan and East Hampton and can be reached at angelatvmedia@gmail.com and angela@sparkhamptons.com .