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A prolonged outbreak of Campylobacter infection at a training facility
1Communicable Disease Control Branch, South Australian Health Commission, South Australia.
Abstract:
Campylobacter outbreaks are rarely detected despite Campylobacter being the most common food-borne illness notified to public health authorities. We report a prolonged outbreak of Campylobacter occurring over a three month period at a training facility. Seventy-eight cases were detected, 16 of which were confirmed Campylobacter infections. In seven affected groups of people using the facility, the attack rate ranged between 19% and 67%. An investigation of one sporting group showed that illness was associated with consumption of cucumber served at a self-serve salad bar. Six people attending the facility in other weeks also reported illness after eating only at the salad bar. Transmission of Campylobacter ceased after changes were instituted to food preparation and storage in the facility kitchen.
Insights
A prolonged Campylobacter outbreak at a training facility affected 78 people. Illness was linked to a self-serve salad bar, and transmission stopped after kitchen improvements.
Area of Science:
- Foodborne illness
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Campylobacter is the most common foodborne illness reported to public health authorities.
- Outbreaks are often undetected, making accurate surveillance challenging.
- A training facility experienced a prolonged outbreak over three months.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a prolonged Campylobacter outbreak at a training facility.
- To identify the source and transmission dynamics of the outbreak.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of control measures.
Main Methods:
- Case detection and investigation of 78 symptomatic individuals.
- Confirmed 16 Campylobacter infections through laboratory testing.
- Epidemiological analysis of attack rates across seven affected groups.
- Food consumption interviews, focusing on a self-serve salad bar.
Main Results:
- The outbreak involved 78 cases, with 16 confirmed Campylobacter infections.
- Attack rates varied from 19% to 67% in affected groups.
- Illness was associated with cucumber consumption from the self-serve salad bar.
- Six additional cases were linked solely to salad bar consumption.
Conclusions:
- The study identified a prolonged Campylobacter outbreak linked to contaminated food at a training facility.
- Self-serve salad bars can be high-risk for foodborne illness transmission.
- Implementing improved food preparation and storage practices effectively halted transmission.