2009 Outbreak of Campylobacter Infections at a Mexican Restaurant, Virginia

In August 2009 local and state health department staff in Virginia investigated an outbreak of Campylobacter infections linked to food prepared by a Mexican restaurant. Illnesses occurred in two clusters. Patients in the first cluster attended a wedding reception at a private residence. All food items served at the event were prepared at a local Mexican restaurant. One week later a second cluster of 16 patients who had eaten at the Mexican restaurant were identified. Two persons in each cluster were laboratory confirmed with Campylobacter spp. Four persons unrelated to either cluster were also ill following a meal at the restaurant. Nine persons sought medical care and two were hospitalized. Analysis of the epidemiologic data did not identify a particular food item that was significantly associated with illness.

Overview

Outbreak began:August 2009
Affected country:US
States/territories:VA
Pathogen:Campylobacter
Vehicle(s):Unknown
Location(s):Restaurant
Molecular test results:no

Health impact

Total ill:13
Number hospitalized:2

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents