Attendees of a school potluck in Alaska were infected with Salmonella Typhimurium. At least 47 people became ill; some of the illnesses were confirmed by stool culture. Genetic testing on the Salmonella Typhimurium proved that all laboratory confirmed cases were the same genetic strain. An epidemiological study found that consumption of ground beef served at the potluck significantly increased the risk of illness. Salmonella Typhimurium isolated from leftover meat genetically matched the Salmonella Typhimurium that had been isolated from the people. The cause of the outbreak was determined to be improper handling and cooking of the beef.