Campylobacter infection in poultry-processing workers, Virginia, USA, 2008-2011

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Infectious disease epidemiology
• Food safety

Background:

• Poultry processing plants can be sites of occupational infections.
• Campylobacter infections pose a risk to worker health in food industries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a cluster of Campylobacter infections among poultry plant workers.
• To identify risk factors associated with the outbreak.
• To recommend control measures.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a health hazard evaluation.
• Investigated 29 laboratory-diagnosed cases of Campylobacter infection.
• Collected data on worker demographics, job roles, and living conditions.

Main Results:

• Identified 29 cases of Campylobacter infection.
• Most infected workers were new employees (<1 month tenure).
• High-risk roles included live hangers.
• Shared living conditions at a state-operated center were common among infected workers.

Conclusions:

• Campylobacter infection risk is elevated in specific roles and living situations within the poultry plant.
• Engineering and administrative controls are crucial for mitigating infection risk.
• Targeted interventions are needed for new workers and those in high-exposure jobs.