Yersinia pseudotuberculosis causing a large outbreak associated with carrots in Finland, 2006
R Rimhanen-Finne1, T Niskanen, S Hallanvuo
1Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland. ruska.rimhanen-finne@ktl.fi
Epidemiology and Infection
|January 8, 2008
Summary
A 2006 Yersinia pseudotuberculosis outbreak in Finland sickened over 400 children, primarily linked to contaminated school lunch carrots. Improved hygiene practices are now recommended to prevent future foodborne illness outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Foodborne illness
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Microbial contamination
Background:
- A significant outbreak of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis O:1 infection occurred in southern Finland in 2006.
- The outbreak impacted over 400 children across 23 schools and 5 day-care centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source and transmission of the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis outbreak.
- To identify risk factors associated with the observed Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection in children.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a large school center.
- Microbiological analysis of patient samples and environmental samples from a carrot distributor was performed.
- Serotyping and genotyping of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis isolates were utilized.
Main Results:
- The outbreak was strongly associated with consuming grated carrots served at school lunches.
- Increased carrot consumption correlated with a higher risk of illness.
- Identical Yersinia pseudotuberculosis serotypes and genotypes were found in patients and carrot distributor samples, though the exact contamination source and mechanism remain undetermined.
Conclusions:
- Consumption of contaminated carrots was the likely cause of the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis outbreak.
- Repeated outbreaks linked to fresh produce highlight the need for enhanced food safety measures.
- Improved hygiene practices for raw carrot handling have been disseminated to prevent future occurrences.
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