1995 Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Infections Linked to Homemade Turkey Stuffing, Nevada

Six persons who attended a Thanksgiving dinner at a private home and one person who ate Thanksgiving dinner leftovers became ill. Two people were hospitalized due to dehydration. Another person was found comatose at home and subsequently died from dehydration and blood infection. Salmonella Enteritidis was isolated from three people. The stuffing appeared to be the outbreak vehicle although this could not be confirmed as no food remained for testing. Raw eggs had been used to prepare the stuffing. Salmonella Enteritidis associated with raw egg consumption had been reported previously. Contributing factors associated with this outbreak included inadequate thawing of the turkey, use of raw eggs in the stuffing, and undercooking of the turkey and the stuffing.

Overview

Outbreak began:November 1995
Affected country:US
States/territories:NV
Pathogen:Salmonella Enteritidis
Vehicle(s):Eggs
Location(s):Private Home
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:7
Number hospitalized:3
Number of deaths:1

Sources & documents

Report / reference links