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Chaos under canvas: a Salmonella enteritidis PT 6B outbreak

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

R. F. Brugha ,
A. J. Howard ,
G. R. Thomas ,
R. Parry ,
L. R. Ward  and
S. R. Palmer
R. F. Brugha*
Affiliation:
CDSC (Welsh Unit), Abton House, Wedal Road, Roath, Cardiff
A. J. Howard
Affiliation:
Public Health Laboratory, Bangor, Wales
G. R. Thomas
Affiliation:
Meirionydd District Council, Wales
R. Parry
Affiliation:
Public Health Medicine, Gwynedd Health Authority, Wales
L. R. Ward
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens, Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale, London
S. R. Palmer
Affiliation:
CDSC (Welsh Unit), Abton House, Wedal Road, Roath, Cardiff
*
* Author for correspondence and reprint requests: Dr Ruairi Brugha. CDSC. 61 Colindale Avenue?. London NW9 5DF.
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Summary

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An outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis PT 6B food poisoning, the first reported of this recently described phage type, resulted in illness among 46 of 49 members of a camping group in North Wales. 33 of whom were hospitalized. Epidemiological evidence (P < 0·0001) indicated that a lemon meringue pie was the vehicle of infection. Fresh shell eggs, stored after purchase at ambient temperature, appear to be the most likely source of infection, with multiplication during preparation and subsequent storage of the pie a significant contributory factor. Campers may be at greater risk than others and should consider the use of cold boxes for the transport and storage of eggs, and avoid the preparation of lightly cooked egg products under these basic conditions.

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 115 , Issue 3 , December 1995 , pp. 513 - 517
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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