Food Poisoning Outbreak in a Military Establishment.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Food Safety
• Epidemiology

Background:

• An investigation was launched into a food poisoning outbreak affecting 121 individuals at a military establishment.
• The outbreak resulted in 94 people falling ill, with a high attack rate of 77.7%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the cause of a food poisoning outbreak within a military setting.
• To determine the food item responsible and the contributing factors to the outbreak.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify the food item implicated in the outbreak.
• Clinical symptoms, incubation periods, and attack rates were analyzed.
• Microbiological analysis of patient samples and food handlers was performed.

Main Results:

• Raita was identified as the food item responsible for the outbreak, with a significant risk ratio (21.35).
• Coagulase-positive staphylococci were isolated from patient samples (vomitus, stool) and food handlers (nasal, fingernail swabs).
• The mean incubation period was 2.3 hours, and median was 1.7 hours.

Conclusions:

• Staphylococcal contamination of raita, likely from food handlers, was the primary cause.
• Improper storage of raita at room temperature facilitated enterotoxin formation, aggravating the outbreak.
• All affected individuals recovered within 24 hours without fatalities.