An outbreak of Salmonella gastrointestinal illness in a military camp
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
;
: 207-211, 2009.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-340666
ABSTRACT
<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Non-typhoidal Salmonellae are important causes of bacterial food-borne infection, especially in institutional settings. An outbreak of gastrointestinal infection occurred in a military camp in January 2007, and an epidemiological outbreak investigation was conducted.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>A survey was conducted on soldiers in the camp on their clinical symptoms, and recent meals consumed. After determining the affected meal, a subsequent survey was conducted on those who had eaten the meal. A case-control study was then performed to determine the outbreak's likely food source. Laboratory tests were also conducted to determine the bacteriological cause.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 94 responders, 55 (58.5%) met our case definition of gastrointestinal illness. The dinner on 9 January was the most likely affected meal, with the onset of symptoms occurring within 6 to 36 hours. The mashed potato was the most likely food source with an attack rate of 80.7% for those who consumed it versus 32.7% for those who did not (P <0.01). From the multivariate analysis, the mashed potato remained the only food item independently and significantly associated with infection, with a relative risk of infection 9.49 times those who did not consume it (95% CI, 2.73-32.97). Salmonella group E was cultured from 4 individuals. Although no specific contamination was identified, the mashed potato was stored for more than 5 hours before the last serving.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Risk during preparation of large quantities of food should be identified a priori, and measures taken to reduce them, to prevent outbreaks.</p>
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Salmonella
/
Salmonella Food Poisoning
/
Singapore
/
Solanum tuberosum
/
Case-Control Studies
/
Disease Outbreaks
/
Food Microbiology
/
Gastroenteritis
/
Military Medicine
Type of study:
Etiology study
/
Observational study
/
Risk factors
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
Year:
2009
Type:
Article
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