2016 Outbreak of Clostridium perfringens at a Catered Lunch, Connecticut
In September 2016 the Connecticut Department of Public Health and local public health officials investigated a cluster of Clostridium perfringens among individuals who attended a catered lunch. Among approximately 50 attendees, 30 completed a survey conducted by the health department. Nineteen met the case definition. Analysis of food exposures reported by 16 ill and 10 well respondents found illness to be associated with consuming a beef dish. Seven specimens (four from food workers and three from attendees) were culture positive for Clostridium perfringens. No leftover food was available for testing. An inspection of the catering kitchen found limited refrigerator space, disposable gloves that appeared to have been washed for reuse and a porous wooden chopping block.
- Outbreak began:
- September 2016
- Affected Country:
- US
- Affected States/Territories:
- N/A
- Organism(s):
-
- Clostridium perfringens
- Vehicle(s):
- Beef
- Molecular Results Available:
- No
- Test Results:
- None
- Location(s):
- Catered meal
- Brand Name(s):
- Total ill:
- 19
- 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:
- No
-
- References:
- MMWR, September 8, 2017