1998 Salmonella Bredeney Outbreak, Shelby County, Alabama
On August 2, 1998 the Shelby County (Alabama) Health Department was alerted by area physicians and hospitals that an unusual number of people were complaining of gastroenteritis following a meal at a local barbeque restaurant. Approximately 170 persons were identified as being part of the outbreak which was determined to be caused by Salmonella serotype Bredeney. Health department investigators collected food samples from the restaurant and tested all food handlers. One employee was infected with the outbreak strain. S. Bredeney was isolated in a sample of meat. Investigators theorized that a sauce used on the meat was the ultimate vehicle of transmission which explained illness in persons who did not consume BBQ.
- Outbreak began:
- August 1998
- Affected Country:
- US
- Affected States/Territories:
- Alabama
- Organism(s):
-
- Salmonella
- Vehicle(s):
- Meat, unspecified
- Molecular Results Available:
- No
- Test Results:
- None
- Location(s):
- Restaurant
- Brand Name(s):
- Total ill:
- 170
- Number ill by Case Definition Known:
- No
- 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:
- No