1985 Salmonella Enteritidis Infections at an Elementary School Linked to Turkey Salad, Georgia

An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections occurred among students and staff of an elementary school. Risk of illness was associated with eating turkey salad during the school lunch on May 10. Culture of leftover, refrigerated turkey salad, yielded Salmonella Enteritidis. The turkey had been cooked and deboned on May 9, and then refrigerated overnight a deep pan. The turkey salad was prepared by four asymptomatic food handlers. It was not clear from the report whether the food handlers were carrying Salmonella bacteria. There did not appear to be any food handling practices or equipment malfunctions that would have contributed to the outbreak.

Overview

Outbreak began:May 1985
Affected country:US
States/territories:GA
Pathogen:Salmonella Enteritidis
Vehicle(s):Turkey, Ill foodhandler
Location(s):School
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:351
Number hospitalized:23

Sources & documents

Report / reference links