Dose-response in an outbreak of non-bacterial food poisoning traced to a mixed seafood cocktail
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1Public Health Laboratory Service, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (Welsh Unit), Cardiff.
Abstract:
An outbreak of non-bacterial food poisoning presumed due to small round, structured viruses (SRSV) occurred at a national conference. A detailed postal survey of all conference attenders was carried out to ascertain the cause of the outbreak and 355 questionnaires were returned. Univariate analysis showed that mussels in the seafood cocktail were the likely vehicle of infection. A dose-response relationship between the amount of seafood cocktail consumed and the risk of illness was demonstrated. Dose-response has not previously been documented in a food-borne outbreak due to small round structured virus. Detailed quantitative food histories can be useful in eliciting dose-response relationships and may be crucial in establishing the vehicle of infection when investigating food poisoning following consumption of a set-menu meal. Their use should be considered in other outbreak situations.
Insights
A national conference outbreak of non-bacterial food poisoning was investigated. Mussels in a seafood cocktail were identified as the likely cause, with a demonstrated dose-response relationship.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Foodborne Illness
- Virology
Background:
- Outbreaks of non-bacterial food poisoning can be caused by small round, structured viruses (SRSV).
- Investigating the source of foodborne illness at large gatherings like national conferences is crucial for public health.
- Establishing a clear vehicle of infection is essential for effective control measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent and vehicle of a non-bacterial food poisoning outbreak at a national conference.
- To investigate the relationship between food consumption and illness incidence.
- To determine if a dose-response relationship exists in SRSV-related foodborne outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- A detailed postal survey was conducted among all conference attendees.
- 355 questionnaires were returned and analyzed using univariate analysis.
- Quantitative food histories were collected to assess consumption amounts and illness risk.
Main Results:
- The seafood cocktail, specifically mussels, was identified as the likely vehicle of infection.
- A statistically significant dose-response relationship was observed between the quantity of seafood cocktail consumed and the likelihood of illness.
- This is the first documented instance of a dose-response relationship in a foodborne outbreak attributed to SRSV.
Conclusions:
- Mussels in the seafood cocktail were the probable source of the SRSV outbreak.
- Quantitative food histories are valuable tools for identifying dose-response relationships in foodborne illness investigations.
- The methodology used in this study can be applied to other outbreak situations, particularly those involving set-menu meals.