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Summary
Hepatitis A outbreak in Aberdeen linked to raspberry mousse. Frozen raspberries used in the dessert were identified as the likely source of contamination, likely occurring during picking.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Foodborne Illness
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection.
- Foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health challenges.
- Identifying the source of contamination is crucial for outbreak control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of a hepatitis A outbreak in Aberdeen.
- To identify the specific food vehicle responsible for the outbreak.
- To determine the likely point of contamination.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation including case finding and interviews.
- Food-specific questionnaires administered to cases, contacts, and staff.
- Serological studies to confirm hepatitis A infection.
- Traceback of implicated food items.
Main Results:
- An outbreak of 24 hepatitis A cases was identified in Aberdeen.
- The outbreak was traced to a large city hotel.
- Raspberry mousse prepared with frozen raspberries was implicated as the source.
- Contamination of raspberries likely occurred during the picking process.
Conclusions:
- Frozen raspberries can be a vehicle for hepatitis A transmission.
- Thorough epidemiological and food investigations are essential for controlling foodborne outbreaks.
- Preventive measures at the source of food production are critical.