1997 Outbreak of Staphlococcus aureus Linked to Ham, Indiana
An outbreak attributed to Staphylococcus aureus toxin occurred among staff members of a Marion County, Indiana, high school following a carry-in holiday meal. Twenty four people sought medical attention due to the severity of their symptoms. A case control study implicated cooked ham as the vehicle responsible for causing illness. Leftover ham was sampled, and results indicated high levels of S. aureus present as well as high aerobic plate counts, which indicated temperature abuse and mishandling. Food poisoning caused by S. aureus toxin can usually be attributed to time and temperature abuse.
- Outbreak began:
- December 1997
- Affected Country:
- US
- Affected States/Territories:
- Indiana
- Organism(s):
-
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Vehicle(s):
- Pork, Ham
- Molecular Results Available:
- No
- Test Results:
- None
- Location(s):
- School
- Brand Name(s):
- Total ill:
- 37
- Number ill by Case Definition Known:
- Unknown
- Number Laboratory Confirmed Cases:
- N/A
- Number Probable Cases:
- N/A
- Number Possible Cases:
- N/A
- Anyone Hospitalized:
- Unknown
- Number Hospitalized:
- Unknown
- Any Deaths:
- Unknown
- Number Dead:
- Unknown
- Any References:
- Yes
-
- References:
- http://www.in.gov/isdh/21186.htm