Health authorities announced last Wednesday that salmonella outbreak in Washington may have been linked to pork.

Most illnesses in the area have been confirmed to be caused by a strain of the bacteria, and early tests conducted revealed the illness may have been linked to a Graham slaughterhouse.

According to reports, most of the illnesses were seen in King County, with 84 reported cases. Twenty-four of them were reported from Snohomish County, 12 from Pierce County, and five from Yakima.

Pork samples were obtained last week from Kapowsin Meats located in Pierce Country and the tests confirmed positive for the salmonella strain that caused the outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working together with the state health department in the investigation. Kapowsin Meats, regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), has also offered its help during the investigation.

The investigators are now looking into possible sources of contamination and the extent of exposure from different possible areas, such as markets, restaurants, ranches, and slaughterhouses.

According to the Washington health department, there could be other sources of the outbreak, but investigators are now searching where the outbreak originated.

Most of the people exposed to the illness had whole roasted pigs that were served in restaurants and at private functions, according to a report from Kirotv.com.

Salmonella bacteria are common among animals that are used for consumption. Improper handling and preparation of food can cause contamination that will lead to illness.

People were advised to cook pork thoroughly before eating them.

The CDC reports that there is an estimated one million cases of Salmonella-related illnesses in the United States each year, with 19,000 resulting in hospitalizations and 380 to deaths.

Those who are affected with the illness usually exhibit symptoms like fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea within 12 to 72 hours of exposure.

A person may be down with the illness for four to seven days and recovery is usually possible without any intervention. However, in severe cases of diarrhea, a person may need medical attention.