More than 35 people have become sick after a possible salmonella outbreak in Sumter County.

The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating a food-borne outbreak that affected at least 36 people who were attending a funeral. All those who became sick ate a noontime meal July 6 at Eastern Star Baptist Church in York.

More than 100 people reportedly attended the funeral.

Initial reports show that at least 30 people have been hospitalized in nine states with some in serious condition.

These states currently include Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Oklahoma.

Preliminary tests at the Alabama Bureau of Clinical Laboratories are positive for salmonella and additional tests are pending.

ADPH’s investigation began July 8 after a report from a local hospital that 25 people had been seeking emergency room care late on July 6 and 7 with symptoms of fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

“If you attended this event and are ill, please contact your physician,” said Dr. Mary McIntyre, assistant state health officer for Disease Control and Prevention.