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Hepatitis A outbreak on a floating restaurant in Florida, 1986
P W Lowry1, R Levine, D F Stroup
1Division of Field Services, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
A prolonged hepatitis A outbreak linked to a floating restaurant infected 97 patrons and 6 employees. Green salad was a key transmission vehicle, highlighting the risk of infected food handlers in prolonged foodborne illness outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Food Safety
- Public Health
Background:
- A significant foodborne hepatitis A outbreak occurred in Florida in 1986.
- The outbreak involved patrons and employees of a floating restaurant, lasting 31 days.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the largest reported foodborne hepatitis A outbreak in Florida history.
- To identify vehicles of transmission and contributing factors during the prolonged outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Case identification among patrons and employees.
- Calculation of food-specific attack rates across different exposure intervals (peak, early, late).
- Statistical analysis, including odds ratios, to determine significant food vehicles.
Main Results:
- A total of 103 cases (97 patrons, 6 employees) were identified.
- Green salad was a significant vehicle of transmission, particularly during the peak exposure interval (OR=6.8).
- Non-salad pantry items and mixed bar drinks were also implicated, with greater importance early in the outbreak.
Conclusions:
- Infected employees can contribute to prolonged hepatitis A transmission to patrons.
- Prompt reporting of ill patrons and rapid identification/management of infected food handlers are crucial for prevention.
- This outbreak underscores the importance of food handling practices in preventing widespread foodborne illness.